Emergency – City and Borough of Juneau

Suicide Basin Outburst Underway – No Flooding Impacts to Residential Areas Expected

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Mendenhall Lake and River following a glacier-dammed lake outburst at Suicide Basin. Minor flooding impacts are expected on Friday, October 2 in the Mendenhall Lake and River near the Mendenhall Campground and recreation area, including Skater’s Cabin Road.
The Mendenhall River is forecasted to crest between 9.8 feet and 10.3 feet on Friday, October 2 between 2pm and 6pm. CBJ is working closely with partners to monitor the release and any potential impacts. Out of an abundance of caution, and to continue improving flood response procedures, CBJ is deploying a limited number of response personnel and equipment, including pumps, to areas of known seepage. However, no impacts to residential areas are currently expected.

Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to monitor conditions closely and take necessary precautions.

Please abide by any road and trail closures and avoid the Mendenhall River and any swift-moving water for the safety of yourself and others until further notice.

Read the full Flood Warning and find the latest updates at www.weather.gov/ajk/suicideBasin.

For questions about the potential flooding impacts and CBJ response efforts, contact [email protected] and (907) 500-0890.

October 1st, 2026|

Take the 2026 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Debrief Survey by October 16

Residents impacted by the 2026 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Juneau are invited to share their experience by survey before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16. Feedback shared in the survey will be used to continue improving emergency preparedness and response efforts in the future.

Since the floodwaters of the August 2026 flood receded, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and its emergency response partners have been preparing for next year’s flood by learning from the 2026 GLOF. On September 16, 2026, CBJ hosted a debrief with flood-impacted residents to listen and record their experiences through the flood. All questions asked during the debrief are listed in the survey for residents who could not attend to provide input.

For more information about the survey, contact the CBJ Communications & Engagement division at [email protected].

September 22nd, 2026|

Juneau Residents Invited to Share Input on 2026 GLOF Response this September 16

Residents impacted by the 2026 glacial lake outburst flood are invited to share input on the response efforts during a debrief on Wednesday, September 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Thunder Mountain Middle School commons. Community feedback will be shared with the Assembly and will help inform the City and Borough of Juneau’s future emergency management efforts.

During the debrief, residents will have the opportunity to talk to other impacted residents by participating in small group conversations to collectively voice their experiences and preparedness priorities. These conversations will begin with a short presentation outlining the City and Borough of Juneau’s emergency preparedness and communications activities during the 2026 flood.

No reservation needed to participate – come to the debrief and voice your input.

For more information, contact City and Borough of Juneau Engagement Specialist Phil Huebschen at [email protected].

September 9th, 2026|

Flood Threat Over – Area Open to Residents Only

As of 5 p.m., August 13, the 2026 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Unified Command is pleased to share that the flood threat from Suicide Basin has ended. Water has receded and evacuated areas are now open to residents only.

Please continue to use caution around damaged areas and avoid riverbanks. Do not drive through standing water, which can be unsafe and generate waves that cause additional damage to nearby structures.

Pedestrian traffic on top of Brotherhood Bridge sidewalks is open. Back Loop Bridge remains closed while the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities assesses bridge safety. Visit 511.alaska.gov for closure updates.

The City and Borough of Juneau’s Parks & Recreation facilities in the evacuation zone will reopen with regular hours tomorrow, August 14. The Mendenhall Valley Library will remain closed through Friday, August 14.

Damage assessments are currently underway. The Flood Information Hotline at 907-500-0890 is available until 9 p.m. today to answer questions. The hotline will shift to an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule starting tomorrow.

The 2026 Unified Command and the more than 15 local, tribal, state, federal and non-profit partner agencies that participated in the flood preparedness and response appreciate everyone who heeded emergency guidance during the flood. Thank you for staying safe.

August 13th, 2026|

Mendenhall River Passes Major Flood Stage – Evacuation Advised

At approximately 11:45 a.m. on August 13, 2026, outburst flooding surpassed major flood stage. Peak flooding is expected between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Flash flood risk remains high. Officials continue to advise evacuation and to STAY AWAY from the Mendenhall River and the flood barrier system. Call the flood hotline at 907-500-0890 for questions, concerns and find the latest flood updates at www.weather.gov/ajk/suicidebasin.

Thank you for all those that evacuated and continue to heed safety instructions.

August 13th, 2026|