Overview

• A glacial lake outburst from Suicide Basin began Aug. 12 as melting snow and rain forced water under the Mendenhall Glacier, sending flows into the Mendenhall River.
• The National Weather Service forecasted and confirmed a near-record crest of about 16.75 feet, topping last year’s high of 15.99 feet.
• Officials issued urgent evacuation orders for residences within the inundation zone, closed roads and public facilities, and opened shelters as floodwaters advanced.
• Roughly 10,000 Hesco barriers installed along 2.5 miles of riverbank protected about 460 properties despite localized pooling and bank erosion.
• Governor Mike Dunleavy’s disaster declaration coincided with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launching a yearslong study to identify permanent flood-control options.