In June, preparations are underway for flooding through the Mendenhall Glacier

• In June, a record flood is expected due to the release of water from the glacier.
• Local residents are evacuating due to the threat of flooding.
• Since 2011, floods have become a regular problem for the region.

In the city of Juneau, local residents are preparing for potential record floods caused by the melting ice from the glacier, which is located near the Mendenhall Glacier. Water started to flow from the glacial dam in the early hours of the morning, and flooding is expected to peak in the afternoon.

The Mendenhall Glacier, located approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Juneau, is a popular tourist attraction and is situated in close proximity to residential areas. Many buildings in the surrounding areas are in the flood risk zone, as they are located near the banks of the Mendenhall River and Mendenhall Lake.

The National Weather Service predicts that flooding will peak between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Wednesday. According to meteorologist Nick Ferretti, this will be a new record, surpassing all previous data.

Flooding in this locality has been a recurring problem since 2011. In connection with global warming, there has been a retreat of smaller glaciers, which has led to the formation of basins that fill with rainwater and meltwater from the glaciers. When the water level becomes sufficient, it overflows under or around the glacial dam, draining into the lake and subsequently into the river.

In 2023 and 2024, the city has already experienced record floods, with the river level in August reaching 15.99 feet (4.9 meters), surpassing the previous record by 1 foot (30 cm). This year's flooding is predicted to reach between 16.3 and 16.8 feet (4.96 to 5.12 meters).

The local government has taken measures to protect buildings, establishing a temporary dam about 2.5 miles (4 km) along the riverbank. These barriers, known as "Hesco" barriers, are designed to protect around 460 properties at a height of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters). American engineers have begun a lengthy process of assessing conditions in the region for the development of a permanent solution, such as a dam.

Tags: USA/Weather