Million-Gallon Deluge: Alaska Mansion Swept Away in Devastating Glacier Flood

In a shocking incident in Juneau, Alaska, a mansion collapsed into the Mendenhall River and was swept away by floodwaters after millions of gallons of water were released from a glacier-dammed lake. The white home, which had stood immaculate just moments before, rapidly deteriorated as the land surrounding it eroded over a period of six hours. Within seconds, the building tore apart completely and was carried away by the raging river.

At least two other buildings were destroyed, and residents of other properties at risk had to be evacuated. The flooding was caused by a major release from Suicide Basin, located above Alaska's capital city. Suicide Basin has been known to release glacier lake outburst floods since 2011, causing inundation along Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River. In fact, the largest outburst flood event to date occurred in July 2016, with over 16,000 cubic feet per second of water flowing through the Mendenhall River. This is nearly the level of discharge of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and almost ten times greater than the average water flow of the Mendenhall River in summer.

Videos posted on social media captured the harrowing scene as towering trees along the river bank were dragged into the rushing waters. As the banks continued to erode, the mansion teetered at the edge before eventually collapsing. The aftermath of the flood left the banks of the river highly unstable, and some roadways were blocked by silt and debris. The City and Borough of Juneau authorized emergency bank stabilization to address immediate threats to property and safety. However, property owners are required to apply for after-the-fact permits and provide documentation of the work done by a licensed engineer.

Glacial outburst floods like this one are becoming more common worldwide due to climate change. As temperatures rise, glaciers melt at an accelerated rate, leading to increased flood risks. Scientists have linked climate change to extreme weather events, such as the record-breaking heatwaves experienced in North America, Europe, and China in July. As the impact of climate change becomes more evident, addressing its implications becomes increasingly urgent. This incident in Juneau serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that climate change can have on local communities and infrastructure.