The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) successfully deployed temporary flood mitigation barriers in Juneau, Alaska, to combat the annual glacial lake outburst flood from the Mendenhall Glacier.
These barriers effectively held back record-high floodwaters in August 2025, preventing significant property damage compared to previous years. This initiative reflects a coordinated partnership among federal, tribal, and community stakeholders.
USACE Helping to Counter Global Warming
In response to the increasing frequency and severity of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to climate change, the USACE has taken proactive measures in Juneau, Alaska.
The deployment of temporary flood barriers in August 2025 proved effective against record-high water levels from the Mendenhall Glacier. This effort prevented substantial property damage compared to previous years.
The USACE is conducting a technical study aimed at developing a long-term flood risk mitigation solution for the region. This study includes phased installation of barriers along the Mendenhall River.
The project underscores a collaborative approach involving federal agencies, tribal entities, and local communities working together to address these environmental challenges.
Strategic Partnerships
Senator Dan Sullivan has been instrumental in advocating for expedited USACE efforts and securing funding for Juneau’s flood mitigation initiatives.
His legislative efforts have facilitated faster permitting processes and ensured that resources are allocated efficiently to protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure.
Collaborative Efforts
- The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) played a crucial role in implementing barrier installations and coordinating with community partners.
- Tribal partners contributed valuable insights into culturally sensitive approaches to disaster mitigation.
- The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provided essential streamgage data on river levels during the flood event.
- Residents along the Mendenhall River were directly involved in preparedness measures and benefited from reduced property damage risks.
Alaska’s Glacial Flooding Crisis
| Category | Description | Data/Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Trend Data | First noted | Suicide Basin began draining in 2011 |
| Peak flows | 2023 (14.97 ft), 2024 (15.99 ft), 2025 (16.6 ft) | |
| Human Dimension | Property & infrastructure risk | 1 home destroyed, dozens damaged in last year’s flooding |
| Uninsurable losses | Many properties outside FEMA’s mapped floodplain, little coverage | |
| Community strain | Residents faced 24-48 hours of uncertainty before Army Corps’ barriers worked | |
| Local & Economic Implications | Cost perspective | 37,800 ft of barriers, 112,000 sandbags, 400 “supersacks” shipped from Illinois |
| Tourism at stake | 700,000 visitors annually, unstable flooding could shut down trails and roads | |
| Long-Term Outlook | Temporary fix vs. enduring strategy | Army Corps stresses short-term solution, bigger engineering fix or relocation plan needed |
| Suggested Angles | Data-Driven | “Three Straight Years of Record Floods Show Alaska’s New Normal” |
| Human Interest | Profile families on Riverside Drive living with seasonal fear | |
| Economic Stakes | Juneau’s housing market + $300M tourism economy at risk | |
| Historical Context | Compare GLOFs at Mendenhall to Iceland or Himalayan regions | |
| Local Politics | How Juneau and Alaska’s state agencies will handle relocating or reinforcing at-risk neighborhoods |
Environmental Resilience
This initiative aligns with broader U.S. policy goals focused on infrastructure resilience amid climate impacts.
Executive Order 14153 emphasizes expediting permitting and infrastructure development in Alaska, reflecting national priorities for protecting critical infrastructure valued at over $1 billion across various Alaskan communities.
Additional Reading
Parting Shot
The successful deployment of temporary flood barriers by USACE highlights an effective collaboration between federal agencies, local governments, tribal partners, and residents.
As climate change continues to pose challenges globally, such coordinated efforts are vital for enhancing community resilience and safeguarding critical infrastructure against natural hazards like GLOFs.
Sources: USACE, US Department of Defense, Dan Sullivan, and City of Juneau.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
