In early August 2024, the Mendenhall Glacier’s Suicide Basin unleashed a catastrophic glacial outburst flood, sending torrents of water into Juneau’s Mendenhall Lake and River. The floodwaters rose rapidly, peaking at 15.99 feet early Tuesday morning, surpassing previous records and prompting city officials to issue voluntary evacuation orders for several neighborhoods. Homes along Killewich Drive, Marion Drive, and other nearby streets faced significant inundation, with water levels reaching up to two feet in some areas. The City and Borough of Juneau, in coordination with Capital City Fire/Rescue and the Juneau Police Department, moved swiftly to prepare emergency shelters, including one at Floyd Dryden Middle School, which saw over 30 residents seeking refuge as the floodwaters crested. Power outages and road closures further complicated the situation, as officials urged residents to secure heating oil tanks and limit vehicle traffic to facilitate smooth evacuations.
In response to the disaster, Governor Mike Dunleavy activated the Alaska Military Forces, including the Alaska Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and the Alaska State Defense Force. The initial deployment began on August 7 and include volunteers from Fairbanks and Anchorage. These service members, organized under Joint Task Force-Juneau, played a crucial role in debris cleanup, flood recovery, and supply distribution efforts. Working alongside the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the Guardsmen helped clear over 2,000 cubic yards of debris from 370 homes in the Mendenhall Valley by August 12. The Alaska State Defense Force, reflecting on their mission, expressed pride in their service: “It is an honor for our soldiers to serve alongside the Army and Air National Guard, as well as local agencies and volunteers, to help our fellow Alaskans recover from the recent flooding in Juneau.”
The collaboration between the Alaska State Defense Force and the National Guard was instrumental in aiding the Juneau community during this unprecedented natural disaster. Their joint efforts, alongside local agencies, not only highlighted the resilience of the community but also played a crucial role in the recovery process. As the floodwaters receded, the focus shifted to rebuilding, supported by the swift and coordinated response of these military forces, further strengthened by the state’s disaster assistance programs activated through the governor’s declaration.
The Alaska National Guard has activated local Guardsmen to aid in recovery efforts after the Mendenhall Glacier’s Suicide Basin caused severe flooding in Juneau. Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on August 6, leading to immediate action.
Five Guardsmen were activated on August 7, with two more joining today. In the coming days, 33 additional Alaska Air and Army Guard volunteers from Fairbanks and Anchorage will join Joint Task Force-Juneau to assist with debris cleanup, flood recovery, and supply distribution.
Our Guardsmen are working alongside the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to support residents in the City and Borough of Juneau. We are grateful for their dedication to helping our communities in need.
Read more about the rescue response at the link below: https://ak.ng.mil/…/alaska-national-guard-provides…/
| Disaster Response Update: Significant progress in flood cleanup thanks to collaborative efforts |
In response to the recent glacial outburst flood in Juneau, the Alaska Organized Militia, in collaboration with local and state agencies, is hard at work removing debris from affected areas. As of August 12, Joint Task Force-Juneau has cleared over 2,000 cubic yards of debris from 370 homes in Mendenhall Valley.
Check out this video for a glimpse of our troops hard at work!
Video by: Dana Rosso & Balinda O’Neal
I Alaska Department of Transportation & Public FacilitiesTlingit & HaidaCity and Borough of JuneauAlaska State Defense ForceAlaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management I
It is an honor for our soldiers to serve alongside the Army and Air National Guard, as well as local agencies and volunteers, to help our fellow Alaskans recover from the recent flooding in Juneau.
Defend Alaska!
Sources: KTOO Public Media – Alaska National Guard – Alaska State Defense Force
