According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, Alaska, the Mendenhall River crested at a record level of 16.65 feet (major flood stage). This level exceeds the 2024 record of 15.99 feet. Anyone living in the 17-foot lake level inundation zone should evacuate to higher ground.

The NWS issued a Flood Warning for the Mendenhall River.

Mendenhall River

Once the glacial outburst occurred it sent a wall of water downstream toward Juneau, AK. Notice the rapid rise in the Mendenhall River to over 16 feet.

What is a Glacial Outburst?

This is not your typical flooding from heavy rain. Meltwater from glaciers settles into pools and then gets dammed by ice and debris. These pools grow and the volume of water increases until they reach the breaking point. This can happen every year.

These outbursts can cause significant loss of life and property.

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