Suicide Basin, alongside the Mendenhall Glacier, disgorged its water earlier this year, causing extensive flooding in Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley.
Since that major flood on Aug. 6, the base has apparently stopped draining and is now refilling with water that comes from glacial melt, rain, and snowmelt.
“The current water level in the basin is near 1230 feet as seen on the pool height sensor. The rate of rise has slowed due to the lowering freezing level below 5000ft, but the rate of rise can increase again from rising freezing levels and/or rain events. Ice bergs may move in and out of the laser sensor’s view, which may make the data jumpy at times,” the National Weather Service said.
The current levels are similar to what was observed in the end of early July 2024, a month before the major glacial flood that impacted entire neighborhoods in Juneau’s most populated area.
“If the basin released all its known water today, the lake would reach around 11.0 feet, which is above moderate flood stage of 10.0 feet. In 2023, there were multiple releases after the very large one from Suicide Basin. Another release may occur again this year. Please continue to monitor this page for current conditions as the basin refills through the fall season,” the Weather Service said.
Images from the entire 2024 season camera on Suicide Basin can be viewed here.