Some residents of Juneau, Alaska, are evacuating after meltwater from a basin dammed by the Mendenhall Glacier began spilling into the Mendenhall River, triggering fears of record-breaking floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported water levels surpassed 16ft on Wednesday — well above the 14ft major flood threshold — setting a new record.
The glacial outburst, likened to pulling the plug on a full bathtub, occurs when a natural ice dam fails, releasing meltwater rapidly. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster, citing the “imminent threat of catastrophic flooding.” Annual floods have plagued the area since 2011, with last year’s deluge damaging hundreds of homes.
Climate change is intensifying the problem, as shrinking glaciers form more meltwater lakes. These are held back by unstable ice-and-rock dams that can collapse without warning. Scientists warn that such floods are expected to become more frequent and severe.
Officials are urging residents in at-risk zones to prepare for possible evacuations and property damage, as flooding continues to threaten homes and infrastructure near the glacier.
