Juneau anxiously holds its breath as glacial floodwaters rise

Key Points:

• Glacial floodwaters on the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, have put thousands of homes at risk, prompting emergency managers to urge evacuations as a glacial lake outburst flood builds toward its peak.
• The flooding is caused by a basin formed from retreating ice above town, with 17 billion gallons of meltwater accumulating behind the Mendenhall Glacier, increasing flood pressure downstream.
• Floods have intensified in recent years, with significant damage in 2023 and 2024, leading officials to install and upgrade military-style Hesco barriers and high-capacity pumps to mitigate flooding risks.
• Despite extensive preparations, including barriers and pumps, city officials warn that a breach could cause flash flooding, emphasizing the importance of evacuation for residents near the river.
• Residents like Diane Lohrey express anxiety about the flood's potential impact, reflecting ongoing concerns despite improved flood defenses after previous damage.