A glacial lake outburst near Juneau, Alaska, is causing flooding, prompting evacuation orders for residents. The Mendenhall River reached 16.17 feet, exceeding the previous flood record. Predictions indicate the water level may crest at 16.75 feet. Glacial outburst floods result from the failure of ice dams holding back lakes, releasing water suddenly and unpredictably. A study estimates 15 million people live in flood-prone areas globally, particularly in India, Pakistan, China, and Peru, as climate change increases the instability of ice and the volume of glacial lakes.
Meltwater from a glacial outburst near Juneau, Alaska, is flooding nearby neighborhoods, prompting officials to urge some residents to evacuate.
The Mendenhall River was recorded at 16.17 feet, surpassing the previous record flood stage, now under a flood warning as it is predicted to crest further.
Glacial outburst floods occur when ice dams fail, resulting in sudden water release, presenting unpredictable risks to nearby populations.
Fifteen million people worldwide live in areas potentially affected by glacial outburst floods, with significant numbers in high-risk countries such as India, Pakistan, China, and Peru.
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