Juneau: Tlingit & Haida and CBJ Jointly Request State Assistance for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

~ Juneau, Alaska - The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) have jointly requested immediate assistance from the State of Alaska in anticipation of a potentially imminent and record level glacial lake outburst flood, or jökulhlaup, from Suicide Basin above the Mendenhall Glacier.

In a joint statement, Tlingit & Haida and CBJ have also issued preemptive emergency disaster declarations as a proactive measure to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure. This comes as officials are emphasizing that no chances will be taken when it comes to public safety and emergency preparedness.

The two governments are jointly requesting that the State of Alaska take several actions to support their efforts in mitigating the potential impact of the flood. These include issuing a State Disaster Declaration for the imminent GLOF event to fully activate state disaster authorities and resources, pre-positioning emergency response equipment and personnel for rapid deployment, activating expedited permitting processes for emergency riverbank stabilization and other necessary protective work, enhancing interagency coordination and public alerting, pursuing continued state and federal assistance and funding, and implementing any necessary emergency protective orders.

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The urgency for these actions is highlighted by previous events. The 2024 Suicide Basin flood demonstrated the scale of damage and disruption this hazard can cause to Juneau residents, businesses, infrastructure, and public services. The 2025 event further confirmed the continuing threat posed by record-level basin releases.

This year, barriers and other protective measures are in place as part of a proactive unified response. However, there is still potential for a catastrophic release from Suicide Basin. Therefore, state engagement is essential to ensure that every available emergency response tool and resource is in place before floodwaters rise.

Tlingit & Haida, CBJ, and the US Coast Guard are working closely with the State of Alaska, federal agencies, emergency responders, and other partners under a unified command to protect the lives, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure of the Juneau community. The two governments appreciate the State's immediate attention to this request and stand ready to coordinate closely with state officials as this emergency continues to develop.

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