CBJ GUIDE TO FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

Current Conditions:

No Flooding Expected – Stay Informed and Monitor Conditions

Based on current data, the risk to life and property from a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) remains low at this time. Monitoring will continue throughout the season.

Key Action Links

Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Current Suicide Basin Conditions (NWS)
Current Mendenhall River conditions (NWS)

How to Prepare for a Flood

  • Sign up for emergency alerts – Get texts and calls about flood risk in your area.

  • Know your risk – Check the Mendenhall River inundation maps to see if your home is in a flood-prone area.

  • Buy flood insurance – NFIP policies are affordable in Alaska but can take up to 30 days to activate.

  • Make a go bag – Pack food, water, medications, important documents, and pet supplies.

  • Know where you’ll go – Plan evacuation routes and coordinate with neighbors.

  • Protect your property – Move valuables to higher ground and use sandbags or water barriers if needed.

HESCO Barrier Project

CBJ is installing HESCO Flood barriers as a near-term solution to mitigate potential widespread damage from future GLOF events.
Learn more
Aerial photograph with highlighted flood zone along Mendenhall River.

Inundation Maps and Flood Modeling

The Mendenhall River Flood Fighting Inundation Maps show where flooding may occur during GLOFs from Suicide Basin. The maps were created using computer models with data from the National Weather Service, USGS, and other agencies to support planning emergency response and mitigation efforts.

What To Do During a Flood

Before the Flood

  • Monitor alerts and news

  • Charge your phone and pack your go bag

  • Move valuables off the floor

During the Flood

  • Follow evacuation orders

  • Shut off electricity if it’s safe

  • Don’t wait — water rises quickly

  • Do NOT walk or drive through flood waters

After the Flood

  • Return home only when cleared

  • Watch for mold, damage, and contamination

What is a GLOF?

This video features a lecture by two of our core partners—Dr. Eran Hood from the University of Alaska Southeast and Aaron Jacobs from the National Weather Service. Together, they explain the science behind Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), including how they form, what triggers them, and why Suicide Basin is being closely monitored. The presentation provides valuable local context and helps to explain the risks and response planning underway in Juneau.

 

Resources and Contact Info

CBJ Emergency Programs

Flood Map Viewer – Coming Soon

National Weather Service

Tlingit & Haida Emergency Services

Emergency Alerts Signup