2025 GLOF: first damage assessments complete, debris collection begins Monday

2025 GLOF: first damage assessments complete, debris collection begins Monday

August 14, 2025 – News

Today teams of organizations and volunteers from across Juneau—Tlingit & Haida, CBJ, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, USCG Sector Southeast Alaska, Community Emergency Response Team volunteers, Team Rubicon, American Red Cross, United Way of Southeast Alaska, and University of Alaska Southeast—worked together in the field to support impacted residents, identify any spills or safety hazards and to get a better understanding of the damage from this year’s flood. The teams assessed over 700 homes in the flood inundation area.

As a result, we are happy to report that overall damage levels are far below those of 2024. However, some homes and properties have suffered flood damage—especially to basements and crawlspaces—and will now begin recovery. Find important information about how to stay safe and get cleaned up below.

Ready to lend a hand? Sign up to volunteer at unitedwayseak.org/2025-flood-relief.

For questions, email [email protected].

Clean-Up and Recovery Resources

Visit bit.ly/JuneauFloodRecovery for resources like:

To-do checklist
Safety tips
Cleaning and mucking out guides
Debris disposal information
Links to state aid and volunteer support

Don’t forget to document damages and keep records—taking photos and saving receipts will help you file an insurance claim and apply for state assistance.

Field crews conducted door-to-door damage assessments; however, those residents that were not at home today can self-report flood damage to their homes using this form.

Debris Collection

Crews staffed by Tlingit & Haida, CBJ, and community volunteers will make a first round of debris collection from flood-impacted neighborhoods on View Drive, Marion Drive, Meander Way and Meadow Lane starting Monday, August 17 at 8 a.m. Please move your debris to the right of way for crews to pick up.

Please help crews work quickly by sorting your debris into three piles:

Large appliances like freezers, refrigerators, lawn mowers, AC units
Household hazardous waste (cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, electronic waste/anything with a battery or cord)
Everything else (household waste, construction debris, insulation)

Sandbags

Please be aware that CBJ, Tlingit & Haida and United Way are not accepting sandbags for disposal. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep and store sandbags for future outbursts for years to come.

Permitting

If you’re planning any work related to the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), please be aware that floodplain development permits are necessary to remain in compliance with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Many properties along the Mendenhall River are in SFHAs.

Permitting for some projects includes pre-work data collection by a licensed engineer and must be completed before construction begins. This process helps protect your property and maintains our community‘s eligibility for flood insurance coverage through the NFIP.

Before starting any work, contact the CBJ Community Development Department (CDD). They’ll help verify you and your contractor are on the right track and avoid costly delays or non-compliance. Thank you—your cooperation supports a safer, more resilient Juneau.

State Individual Assistance

The State of Alaska Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has opened applications for Individual Assistance. Learn more at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA, then apply online or over the phone at (844) 445-7131 or (907) 428-7062. The application period closes October 13.

Volunteer Help

The United Way of Southeast Alaska is coordinating volunteer help and support for those affected by this year’s flooding. A support center will be open at Melvin Park tomorrow, Friday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by to grab a ready-to-eat meal and snacks, ask questions and get info, or let us know if you or someone you know needs help

If you can’t make it in person, you can still share your needs online. The United Way flood relief form is open at unitedwayseak.org/2025-flood-relief, where you can request help or offer to volunteer.