Juneau can’t stop the floods, but it’s learning to see them coming
An online forecasting tool translates complex glacier data into information that gives residents and officials more time to prepare and respond.
In Juneau, Alaska, flooding has become an annual headache for residents, with the Mendenhall Glacier playing a significant role in the recurring floods. In 2011, the city began experiencing periodic flooding due to meltwater and rain collecting in a basin beside the glacier. The situation worsened in 2023 when the river reached a record high of nearly 15 feet, causing damage to dozens of homes and leading to the installation of barriers by the city.
Now, the city is utilizing advanced flood forecasts to help residents prepare for the inevitable. These forecasts, available through an online dashboard, translate complex glacier and hydrology data into actionable information for people living in the flood zone. By providing more time to act before the water arrives, the approach offers a potential blueprint for other communities facing similar recurrent disasters.
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