New Joint Flood Initiative Prepares Juneau for 2025 Glacial Lake Outburst

July 25, 2025 – News

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
July 25, 2025

New Joint Flood Initiative Prepares Juneau for 2025 Glacial Lake Outburst

In anticipation of a potential 2025 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida), and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) have launched a joint communication strategy in coordination with additional state and federal agencies. This unified approach is designed to enhance public preparedness, streamline emergency messaging, and ensure clear and consistent communication across all jurisdictions in the event of a GLOF.

The National Weather Service, the United States Coast Guard, Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, and the Alaska Department of Environment Conservation are part of the coordinated effort through information sharing and emergency planning resources.

The collaborative effort stems from increased awareness of the growing risks posed by the Mendenhall Glacier’s Suicide Basin and recent flood events that have affected homes, infrastructure, and traditional lands. With the basin approaching capacity, agencies are taking proactive steps to minimize confusion, provide timely updates, and improve response coordination in the event of a flood.

“This partnership will allow us to pool our resources to make sure our residents receive accurate, timely information—especially during high-stress situations like a flood,” said City Manager Katie Koester. “By aligning our messaging and working closely with Tlingit & Haida, DOT&PF, and federal agencies, we can support community preparedness, safety, and resilience.”

The new communications partnership – or Joint Information Center (JIC) – was designated by the Unified Command established between CBJ, Tlingit & Haida, and Alaska DOT&PF under the Incident Command System (ICS). The JIC includes a centralized message coordination group that meets regularly, shared communication tools and protocols, and consistent public outreach through websites, social media, SMS alerts, and media briefings.

The JIC is also coordinating the rollout of a twice-weekly email update and near-daily social media posts that will cover preparedness tips, flood status updates, evacuation messaging and emergency alerts as needed. This cadence is designed to maintain public awareness and readiness across all segments of the Juneau community.

“Community emergencies such as flood events do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard J. Peterson. “That’s why collaboration between tribal, municipal, state, and federal partners is critical as we prepare our community, pool our resources, knowledge and coordinate response. Together, we are building a framework that prioritizes public safety and ensures that no one is left behind when it matters most.”

Key Ways Residents Can Stay Informed:

1. Sign up for emergency alerts at bit.ly/CBJAlerts

2. Check in with the Juneau Flood Ready website at bit.ly/JuneauFloodReady

3. View road closure leading up to and during an event at 511.Alaska.gov

4. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service Suicide Basin monitoring page (link)

5 Review the interactive flood inundation maps available at JuneauFlood.com.

5. Follow partner agencies on social media.

 

For media inquiries, contact Ashley Heimbigner at [email protected] or 907.586.5240.