Homes Collapse and Evacuations Ordered Amid Unprecedented Glacial Outburst Flood in Juneau
Juneau, Alaska – The residents of Marion Drive in Juneau were ordered to evacuate their homes on Saturday night as an unprecedented glacial outburst flood devastated the area. According to the city’s emergency operations center, one home has already been lost and several others are at risk due to rapid erosion along the riverbank.
Drone footage shared on social media captured the devastating scene, with one building completely collapsed into the river while others appeared to have been undermined by the eroding bank. The catastrophic flooding was triggered by a glacial dam outburst flood originating from Suicide Basin, located above the Mendenhall Glacier.
The National Weather Service provided an update, reporting record flooding in waterways and low-lying areas, including areas that had never previously experienced such flooding. Forecasters anticipate that peak flooding could reach a height of 15 feet, surpassing the previous record set in 2011 when glacial outburst flooding became prevalent in Juneau.
Meteorologist Nicole Ferrin, from the National Weather Service in Juneau, emphasized the severity of the situation. “There is no comparison,” she stated. “We’re two feet over our last record.”
While determining the exact timing of the flood’s peak remains challenging, Ferrin noted that the rate of rise has begun to decrease as of Saturday evening. “We’re hoping that indicates that we’re nearing the end,” she added.
In response to the situation, the city has closed the road bridge at Back Loop and the footbridge at Dimond Park. Furthermore, authorities have urged residents to stay away from the river and advised against unnecessary travel on the Back Loop’s Mendenhall River bridge.
For guidance and assistance, individuals affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact the city at 907-586-0600.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.