Evacuations are in progress in parts of Juneau, Alaska, after a glacial lake outburst from Suicide Basin triggered significant flooding along the Mendenhall River. Officials reported that the floodwaters began moving downstream late Tuesday and are expected to impact communities through Wednesday, as reported by The New York Post.
In a statement posted to Facebook, local authorities confirmed, “A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin. The basin is releasing and flooding is expected along the Mendenhall Lake and River late Tuesday through Wednesday.”
Residents within the 17-foot lake level inundation zone have been advised to evacuate until conditions improve and an “All Clear” is issued via the wireless emergency alert system.
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The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for displaced residents at Floyd Dryden Gymnasium.
Multiple facilities along the Mendenhall River were closed Tuesday, including the Mendenhall Valley Public Library, Diamond Park Field House, Diamond Park Aquatic Center, and all nearby fields.
Road closures have also been implemented, including the Mendenhall Loop Road at the Back Loop Bridge.
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Officials stated that the bridge closure will remain in place until water levels drop below 12 feet and engineers complete a safety inspection.
Suicide Basin, a glacial lake above Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, is currently at high risk of releasing a glacial outburst flood, or jökulhlaup, as it nears full capacity. The National Weather Service estimates the basin could be full as early as tomorrow, though a… pic.twitter.com/AXscRe1Ye0
— MyAlaskaHome (@MyAlaskaHome) August 11, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the affected area.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the restriction is intended to ensure safe aerial operations for geo-hazard monitoring, flood response, and potential evacuations.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Flood Warning for the Mendenhall River. As of early Wednesday, the river level had surpassed 14 feet and was still rising.
ALASKA FLOOD FEARS: some evacuations in place as the Mendenhall River reached major flood stage and should crest later today. An update on glacial melt: @SamWnek pic.twitter.com/r00uQ3nly1
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) August 13, 2025
Forecasts indicate the river will crest between 16.25 and 16.75 feet Wednesday morning before dropping below flood stage by Thursday.
Suicide Basin, a side basin of the Mendenhall Glacier above Juneau, has produced annual glacial lake outburst floods since 2011, according to the NWS. The largest on record occurred on Aug. 6, 2024, with another release reported on Oct. 20, 2024.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explains that a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) differs from flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Glacial lakes often form in valleys that have lost ice and become dammed by a glacier, rock, or debris.
As these lakes fill over time, water pressure can cause a sudden drainage beneath the glacier, releasing water downstream.
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Record-breaking floodwaters are bearing down on Alaska’s capital as the Mendenhall Glacier’s ice dam bursts—sending torrents into the city.
Officials warn: “Don’t wait—Evacuate TONIGHT.” Water is already surging past 16.6 feet, with barriers… pic.twitter.com/SVSybaGxtV
— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) August 13, 2025
“These events are unpredictable and have caused significant loss of life and infrastructure worldwide,” the USGS noted, adding that the potential impacts of these events may change as glaciers continue to melt with rising temperatures.
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