Juneau, the capital of Alaska, experienced an alarming event on Wednesday when the Mendenhall River reached a record 16.65 feet (5.08 m) after a sudden release of water from Suicide Basin, a reservoir located beneath the Mendenhall Glacier.
Although the situation could have been devastating, a series of temporary defenses managed to contain much of the flow. More than 10,000 Hesco barriers were deployed along 2.5 miles of the river, protecting around 460 homes and preventing the large-scale damage seen in previous floods.
Authorities issued urgent evacuation orders with messages such as: “Don’t wait, evacuate tonight.” Fortunately, water levels began to drop quickly, and by yesterday many residents were able to return home as the danger subsided.
This type of glacial flooding, known as a “glacial lake outburst flood”, has become frequent in the area since 2011 and is intensifying due to global warming, which accelerates the retreat and weakening of the glacier.
What measures are planned to prevent similar disasters in the future?
In addition to temporary barriers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already begun studies to develop permanent solutions, such as more robust levees.
