Approximately 100 homes and businesses in Juneau, Alaska, were damaged by flooding caused by an ice dam break near the Mendenhall Glacier. The floodwaters, which peaked around 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday, led to cars floating in the streets and residents scrambling to evacuate.
The flooding occurred due to a smaller glacier retreating, leaving a basin that fills with rainwater and snowmelt each spring and summer. When the water pressure becomes sufficient, it breaches the ice dam created by the Mendenhall Glacier, flowing into Mendenhall Lake and the Mendenhall River.
While the basin's formation is linked to glacial retreat, climate change has minimal influence on the year-to-year variations in flooding volume in Juneau. Experts suggest that these floods will persist on a decadal timescale, with the glacier eventually thinning to the point where it can no longer act as a dam.
The recent flooding, described as unprecedented by officials, left residents shaken as they worked to salvage belongings amid warm, sunny weather. Streets were littered with debris, and cleanup efforts were underway to remove silt and grime left by the receding waters.
The Mendenhall River set a new record, cresting at 15.99 feet, surpassing last year's flood levels. Some homes outside anticipated flood zones were affected, highlighting the widespread impact of the event.
Residents, like one homeowner who evacuated with her children and pets, expressed concerns about future flooding events. The city, already facing a housing shortage during peak tourist season, may struggle to provide temporary accommodations for flood victims.
As Juneau grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, community meetings to address future flood preparedness are being considered to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of residents.
