Juneau: CBJ, Tlingit & Haida, USFS Align on Enduring Solution for Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding

~ Juneau, Alaska - Representatives from the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), Tlingit & Haida (T&H), and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) have come together to find an enduring solution for the annual glacial lake outburst flooding (GLOF) events in the Mendenhall Valley. After three days of technical analysis and evaluation, all three agencies have united in their support for the Lake Tap alternative.

The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and technical experts from relevant agencies joined municipal, tribal, and federal partners to review and assess five proposed alternatives for flood control. These alternatives included flood-control dam(s), levees or floodwalls, Suicide Basin lake tap, relocation, and a hybrid option.

According to Denise Koch, CBJ Director of Engineering & Public Works, the Lake Tap option quickly rose to the top as the most feasible solution in terms of safety, construction timeline, and impact on the area. She also expressed gratitude for USACE's recognition of urgency and the contributions of technical experts who worked on an accelerated timeline.

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Tlingit & Haida Public Safety Manager Sabrina Grubritz stated that their priority was to identify an approach that would best safeguard citizens, protect cultural resources, and support the well-being of the broader Juneau community. Based on currently available data, it appears that the lake tap option meets these goals.

As community partners for this critical USACE report, Tlingit & Haida and CBJ are committed to pursuing a completed solution as quickly as possible. The USFS will also play an important role as the impacted land manager.

The purpose of this three-day charrette was to determine the focus for USACE's technical report which is set to be released in May 2026. This report will inform next steps in finding an enduring solution for GLOF events in Mendenhall Valley. However, completion of the report does not guarantee funding for project construction.

CBJ's Denise Koch emphasized the urgency of finding a solution and the need for close collaboration across government agencies at all levels. She also expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with Tlingit & Haida, USFS, and USACE, as well as the involvement of residents and representatives.

The public can find more information about the USACE Mendenhall Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding Technical Report on the project website. The report will be followed by a public comment period.

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