Juneau flood warning: Suicide Basin releasing as Mendenhall River levels rise; check map, evacuation amid scary visuals
Juneau in Alaska warned of flooding with Suicide Basin releasing and water levels in Mendenhall River expected to rise. Water levels are expected to keep rising until the morning of August 13.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a statement about the flood warning. “Suicide Basin IS NOW releasing. A flood warning has been issued. Mendenhall River is expected to reach minor flood stage (9.0 feet) tomorrow afternoon (~3:00 PM), and continue to rise until the morning of the 13th.”
They noted that the flood impact is at 9.0 feet. Water will start to cover Skaters Cabin Road between Skaters Cabin and West Glacier Trailhead, also water will flow into the Mendenhall Lake Campground, NWS noted.
The Juneau government noted “Suicide Basin is releasing. Flooding is expected late tomorrow, August 12 through early Thursday, August 13. If you are in a flood zone, evacuation is advised. Stay clear of rivers.” They added that an emergency evacuation shelter will be open at Floyd Dryden Gym.
A map of the area was also shared online.
With the glacial dam releasing, some scary visuals emerged online.
Juneau flood warning: Scary visuals of glacial dam release
A photo from hours back showed the water levels in the Suicide Basin.
Meanwhile, a video showed the preparations being taken amid the flood warning.
A local business also shared photos and wrote “Unfortunately, it’s that time again. With the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood underway, Mendenhall Contracting will be available 24 hours a day through the coming weekend.”
“If you or anybody you know needs last-minute or emergency heavy logistics, trucking, material hauling, heavy equipment support, debris removal, or related flood response work, please reach out. As always during these events, our priority is helping where our equipment and resources can make the biggest difference. We’ll do what we can, where we can. Stay safe, Juneau,” they added.
Juneau flood warning sparks fears and concerns
University of Alaska Southeast issued a statement amid the Juneau flood warning. “As Juneau prepares for a glacial lake outburst flood, we want to make sure our university community has the information and resources they need. The UAS Juneau Campus, including campus housing, is not located in the flood evacuation zone, and no direct impacts to campus are currently anticipated. UAS is prepared to support Juneau-based University of Alaska students and employees who may be impacted. Resources including temporary housing, parking, drying equipment, counseling and more are available,” they wrote, sharing a photo.
Assembly Member Paul Kelly also shared news of the flood warning and wrote “For non-emergency questions: call 907-500-0890. If you have an emergency call 911.”
Another remarked on X that the flood was coming ahead of the Alaska primaries. “The alaska primary is one week from today and there is going to be a huge flood in juneau this week,” they said.