Alaskan officials are raising alarms as meltwater escapes a glacier-dammed basin near Juneau, leading to significant flood risks. Local residents are being evacuated as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings regarding a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) threat. The Mendenhall Glacier, a known tourist destination just 12 miles from the capital city, has allowed significant meltwater to flow into the Mendenhall River. Over the past few days, officials have been on alert, with the situation intensifying when it was confirmed that water was spilling over the ice dam. As of recent reports, water levels have surged from 9.85 feet to over 16 feet, now exceeding past records noted by weather officials. Meteorologist Nicole Ferrin indicated the visuals suggest unprecedented levels could be achieved. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster as flooding risks have steadily grown; the area has faced previous flood damage since 2011, compelling residents and authorities to brace for possible evacuations and seek preventive measures against rising waters.
Record Flooding Fears Prompt Alaskan Evacuations Amid Glacial Melt
Record Flooding Fears Prompt Alaskan Evacuations Amid Glacial Melt
As glacial ice retreats, communities near Juneau are preparing for possible record flooding, escalating evacuation efforts.
Record Flooding Fears Prompt Alaskan Evacuations Amid Glacial Melt
As glacial ice retreats, communities near Juneau are preparing for possible record flooding, escalating evacuation efforts.
Alaskan officials are raising alarms as meltwater escapes a glacier-dammed basin near Juneau, leading to significant flood risks. Local residents are being evacuated as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings regarding a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) threat. The Mendenhall Glacier, a known tourist destination just 12 miles from the capital city, has allowed significant meltwater to flow into the Mendenhall River. Over the past few days, officials have been on alert, with the situation intensifying when it was confirmed that water was spilling over the ice dam. As of recent reports, water levels have surged from 9.85 feet to over 16 feet, now exceeding past records noted by weather officials. Meteorologist Nicole Ferrin indicated the visuals suggest unprecedented levels could be achieved. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster as flooding risks have steadily grown; the area has faced previous flood damage since 2011, compelling residents and authorities to brace for possible evacuations and seek preventive measures against rising waters.
As glacial ice retreats, communities near Juneau are preparing for possible record flooding, escalating evacuation efforts.
Alaskan officials are raising alarms as meltwater escapes a glacier-dammed basin near Juneau, leading to significant flood risks. Local residents are being evacuated as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings regarding a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) threat. The Mendenhall Glacier, a known tourist destination just 12 miles from the capital city, has allowed significant meltwater to flow into the Mendenhall River. Over the past few days, officials have been on alert, with the situation intensifying when it was confirmed that water was spilling over the ice dam. As of recent reports, water levels have surged from 9.85 feet to over 16 feet, now exceeding past records noted by weather officials. Meteorologist Nicole Ferrin indicated the visuals suggest unprecedented levels could be achieved. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster as flooding risks have steadily grown; the area has faced previous flood damage since 2011, compelling residents and authorities to brace for possible evacuations and seek preventive measures against rising waters.
