Alaskan glacier ice dam releases floodwater toward downstream homes
Summary
A flood caused by water release from Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier prompted evacuation warnings for residents in parts of Juneau. Officials say the water started flowing from an ice dam, leading to significant flooding concerns. A temporary levee was built to help protect properties, but the region remains at risk for future floods.Key Facts
- Water from behind Mendenhall Glacier is breaking through, causing floods.
- Officials have urged residents in Juneau to evacuate due to potential record-level flooding.
- Floods from this area have become a regular problem, damaging homes every year.
- In 2023, a temporary levee was set up to lessen damage, protecting about 460 properties.
- The river reached a record height last year, overflowing at 15.99 feet.
- The flooding could continue for another 25 to 60 years if the glacier remains in place.
- Local government and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are studying possible permanent solutions.
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