Mendenhall River Hit Record High From Glacier Melt
Mendenhall River Hit Record High From Glacier Melt
An overflowing glacial lake north of Juneau, Alaska, caused the Mendenhall River to surge to a record height, prompting floods and evacuations. The article explains the phenomenon of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), their increasing frequency due to rising temperatures melting glaciers, and the specific history of such events at the Suicide Basin near Juneau since 2011.
Note
GLOF (glacial lake outburst flood) doesn't exactly roll off the tongue...
I was surprised at the estimate of how many people are estimated to live near glaciers. less surprised that their quick melting could be problematic...
Published
2025
Summary
An overflowing glacial lake north of Juneau, Alaska, caused the Mendenhall River to surge to a record height, prompting floods and evacuations. The article explains the phenomenon of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), their increasing frequency due to rising temperatures melting glaciers, and the specific history of such events at the Suicide Basin near Juneau since 2011.
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