Mendenhall River crests at 14.7 feet in Juneau major flood stage

The Mendenhall River crested at 14.7 feet around 2:15 p.m. Thursday, reaching major flood stage but staying below last year's record, the National Weather Service in Juneau said. Nearly 1,900 homes in the Mendenhall Valley sit within the advisory area for this annual glacial lake outburst flood, which began releasing from Suicide Basin near noon Wednesday.

The water level in Suicide Basin measured about 956 feet. As of the agency's 3:30 p.m. update, the river stood at 14.20 feet and was falling, still in major flood stage.

The City and Borough of Juneau told residents in its flood response newsroom update that the area will remain in major flood stage for several more hours. The city urged residents not to return at this time.

Official damage assessments were not yet available. A social media post from a visitor staying near Mendenhall Lake showed a paved road covered by water with a "ROAD CLOSED" sign posted alongside it. The same account described being within the evacuation zone a few blocks from the Mendenhall River.

Last year's outburst flood, on Aug. 13, 2025, crested at a record 16.65 feet. Such flooding from the basin has occurred annually since at least 2011. USGS cameras and laser sensors continue to track the basin, with updates every two hours through the event.