Tlingit & Haida and CBJ Jointly Request State Assistance for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
Today, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) jointly requested immediate assistance from the State of Alaska in anticipation of a potentially imminent and record level glacial lake outburst flood, or jökulhlaup, from Suicide Basin above the Mendenhall Glacier.
Tlingit & Haida and CBJ have also issued preemptive emergency disaster declarations as a proactive measure to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure. CBJ and Tlingit & Haida are confident in the HESCO barrier flood mitigation system installed along the Mendenhall River, however, officials are emphasizing that no chances will be taken when it comes to public safety and emergency preparedness.
The two governments are jointly requesting that the State of Alaska:
- Issue a State Disaster Declaration for the imminent GLOF event to fully activate state disaster authorities and resources;
- Pre-position emergency response equipment and personnel for rapid deployment should a flash flood occur;
- Activate expedited permitting processes for emergency riverbank stabilization and other necessary protective work;
- Enhance interagency coordination and public alerting to support a unified and timely emergency response;
- Pursue continued state and federal assistance and funding to support emergency response, mitigation, recovery, and long-term flood protection; and
- Implement any necessary emergency protective orders to allow critical response measures to proceed without delay.
The 2024 Suicide Basin flood demonstrated the scale of damage and disruption this hazard can cause to Juneau residents, businesses, infrastructure, and public services. The 2025 event further confirmed the continuing threat posed by record-level basin releases.
This year, barriers and other protective measures are in place and a proactive unified response is underway. However, the potential for a catastrophic release remains, and state engagement is essential to ensure that every available emergency response tool and resource is in place before floodwaters rise.
Tlingit & Haida, CBJ and the US Coast Guard are working closely with the State of Alaska, federal agencies, emergency responders, and other partners under a unified command, to protect the lives, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure of the Juneau community.
Tlingit & Haida and CBJ appreciate the State’s immediate attention to this request and stand ready to coordinate closely with state officials as this emergency continues to develop.