The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, caused severe flooding after meltwater burst through, affecting more than 100 homes.
Glacial outburst floods have become a recurring problem, with this year’s flood being the largest recorded, surpassing previous records.
Efforts to mitigate flooding, such as barriers and tunnels, have been discussed but remain unimplemented due to complexity and cost.
Key quote:
"There was a tremendous amount of water that came out at one time."
— Aaron Jacobs, senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service
Why this matters:
As glaciers continue to melt, extreme weather events like the floods in Juneau may become more frequent, posing significant risks to communities. Understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on glacial melt is crucial to developing effective solutions and protecting vulnerable areas.
This summer’s torrent of meltwater from the Mendenhall Glacier, known as a glacial outburst flood, dwarfed any that have occurred since the phenomenon began in Juneau a dozen years ago.
No injuries were reported, but floodwaters took part of a third home and caused “significant undermining” damage to a condominium building, city officials said.
Scientists, emergency managers and Juneau residents are bracing for an event at the Mendenhall Glacier that could flood a nearby lake and river again. The now-yearly phenomenon is caused by climate change.
