Amid rising fears of unprecedented flooding in Juneau due to glacial melt, residents are evacuating their homes after water escapes a dam formed by the Mendenhall Glacier. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued alerts, citing significant flow from glacial lakes into the Mendenhall River, which jeopardizes nearby homes.
Glacial Melt Forces Evacuations in Juneau Amid Flood Concerns
Glacial Melt Forces Evacuations in Juneau Amid Flood Concerns
Residents of Juneau, Alaska face urgent threats as glacial melt surges, prompting evacuations and flood warnings.
Local officials have long cautioned residents about potential evacuations, and it became a reality when meltwater was confirmed to be breaching the ice dam. By Tuesday, water levels had reached 9.85 feet, but by Wednesday morning, had surged to over 16 feet — surpassing the crest and signaling a likely record event, according to weather service meteorologist Nicole Ferrin.
Glacial lake outbursts, where accumulated meltwater rapidly drains, have become increasingly common in the region. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster on Sunday, anticipating the catastrophic consequences of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The community has dealt with flooding since 2011, a trend that worsened last year when hundreds of homes sustained damage.
The phenomenon of melting glaciers is not confined to Alaska; it’s a global crisis, with scientists noting a surge in the number and scale of glacial lakes since 1990. Climate change is predicted to exacerbate the occurrence of these dangerous floods, raising concerns about the fragility of the natural barriers that maintain these lakes.
As the situation develops, local authorities urge residents to remain alert to updates, reinforcing that climate-related events require immediate attention and comprehensive action.
Glacial lake outbursts, where accumulated meltwater rapidly drains, have become increasingly common in the region. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster on Sunday, anticipating the catastrophic consequences of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The community has dealt with flooding since 2011, a trend that worsened last year when hundreds of homes sustained damage.
The phenomenon of melting glaciers is not confined to Alaska; it’s a global crisis, with scientists noting a surge in the number and scale of glacial lakes since 1990. Climate change is predicted to exacerbate the occurrence of these dangerous floods, raising concerns about the fragility of the natural barriers that maintain these lakes.
As the situation develops, local authorities urge residents to remain alert to updates, reinforcing that climate-related events require immediate attention and comprehensive action.
