Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration in response to the Mendenhall River flood in Juneau.
On Aug. 5, a large pool of water in Suicide Basin, along the Mendenhall Glacier, released and gushed down the Mendenhall River, eroding the foundations of structures and sending a couple of houses into the river.
Also at risk is the Dimond Field House, an indoor soccer facility that is now positioned closer to the river’s new, expanded bank.
“The State of Alaska has been in contact with the City and Borough of Juneau throughout the flooding event. This declaration will give those affected by the flooding greater access to resources to respond to and recover from the flood,” Gov. Dunleavy said on X/Twitter.
A state disaster can be declared at the request of the local government. On Monday, the Juneau Assembly approved that request in a special meeting, during which it declared a local disaster.
Property owners who have experienced damage or loss as a result of the Aug. 5 Mendenhall River flood event may be eligible for a property reassessment that could result in a lower tax bill for the current year, the city has announced on its website.
The glacial outburst flood resulted in peak water levels of 14.97 feet, exceeding the record of 11.99 feet by almost three feet, or 180% of the volume of water.
Private property sustained the majority of the damage. Following the city’s initial assessment of structures damaged by flooding and bank erosion, eight buildings have been condemned.
Some public infrastructure was damaged, including three wastewater lift stations that were submerged and service temporarily disrupted; all three stations are back in operation. Several private fuel tanks and hazardous materials containers were overturned or damaged by floodwaters.
The View Drive lift station sustained damage that will ultimately require long-term repair work. The Mendenhall River Wastewater Treatment Plant lost property and fenceline, as did the Dimond Park Field House, but did not sustain damage.
The city’s Community Development Department has authorized emergency bank stabilization to protect immediate threats to property and safety.
Juneau is currently working with Waste Management and Alaska Waste to find solutions for residents working to clean and repair property and dispose of debris. Representatives of these companies will be on site in Juneau this week. Further information will be provided as soon as it is available.
Although a state declaration of disaster does not come with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, that could follow, although this is such a localized disaster that it might not qualify for federal assistance.
Flood response and updated information is available at juneau.org/manager/flood-response
Photo credit: Sam Nolan, screenshot from his video of the event.
