Mendenhall Glacier outburst sends record water surge into Alaska's capital city

news image
Special Stories
14 Aug 2025 8:55 PM

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.

Stay with WeatherNation for the latest.

All Weather News
More
Historic River Flooding : Tens of Thousands Being Evacuated in Washington State

Historic River Flooding : Tens of Thousands Being Evacuated in Washington State

NORTHWEST - A state of emergency is in effect

11 Dec 2025 2:40 PM
Next Round: More Snow for the Midwest, Ohio Valley

Next Round: More Snow for the Midwest, Ohio Valley

Our next clipper system is moving through the

11 Dec 2025 1:50 PM
End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

As 2025 comes to an end, many people are expe

11 Dec 2025 11:30 AM
Record Warmth Out West, Except for California's Central Valley

Record Warmth Out West, Except for California's Central Valley

Strong upper-level ridging off the coast of C

11 Dec 2025 1:45 AM
Here Comes Another Push of Arctic Air

Here Comes Another Push of Arctic Air

The Northern Tier of the country is no strang

11 Dec 2025 1:40 AM
Blizzard Alerts Issued In West Virginia

Blizzard Alerts Issued In West Virginia

NORTHEAST - The northeastern U.S. is in for s

10 Dec 2025 9:30 PM
Overnight Snow for the Colorado Rockies

Overnight Snow for the Colorado Rockies

DENVER, CO - Denver saw its first significant

6 Dec 2025 3:30 AM