On Aug. 6, a glacial outburst event led the Mendenhall Lake and River to exceed their regular boundaries. They flooded lake and riverside areas of northern Juneau, Alaska, impacting nearly 300 homes. Among those affected are several of our own Forest Service employees.  

A glacial outburst occurs when water that is dammed up by a glacier suddenly gives way and is released downstream. Thankfully, no lives were lost as a result.  

To the Alaska Region employees affected by this event, I recognize the recent flooding has touched your lives, your livelihood and your families’ well-being. Flood damage to a home is a hard blow to process and recover from. I am impressed by the recovery efforts currently underway and reassure all employees of my support throughout the entirety of the recovery process.

Although flooding in this area has been an annual event since at least 2011, the last two years have brought a significant increase in the volume of waters released during these glacial outbursts, leading to record flooding downstream. This was the largest flow that has occurred along the Mendenhall River system in recorded history. After last year’s flooding, efforts were taken to mitigate these flooding events in the area; however, more homes were flooded this year than last due to a significantly higher volume of water being pushed down river.

Efforts are underway to assist affected employees and their families in the recovery. The response from the Juneau Ranger District has been exemplary. Staff at the district office and visitor center coordinated, planned and executed an early evacuation of the Mendenhall campground and the West Glacier area, and provided early notification to the many tour operators who use the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area.  

All the areas that were closed are now reopened, and campers, tourists and locals are returning to the areas that were just recently underwater. The Alaska Regional Safety program is also focused on supporting emotional and mental well-being of our employees and has organized a team “check-in” that will include a mental health counselor for those team members who feel they would benefit from information about stress, trauma and grief.

For those of you interesting in helping, United Way of Southeast Alaska is coordinating assistance and recruiting volunteers. For additional information, contact volunteer coordinator Ryan O’Shaughnessy at (907) 209-5069.

Recovery from the flooding will take time as crews begin the process of cleaning up and repairing the damage. During this time of uncertainty, know that impacted employees have the support of the agency behind them. As an organization committed to our core values of service and interdependence, we will do everything we can to help you throughout this process.

Please know that there are many resources available to help you. Reach out if you need help.

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