U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pursues Multiple Solutions for Juneau's Glacial Outburst Flooding

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing short, medium, and long-term strategies to address glacial outburst flooding in Juneau's Mendenhall Valley. Short-term measures include raising HESCO barriers and building an extended levee. A long-term solution involves a lake tap project to drain the glacial basin. The agency remains committed to a viable long-term solution while addressing immediate community needs.

Published Mar 26, 2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is addressing glacial outburst flooding in Juneau's Mendenhall Valley with short, medium, and long-term solutions. Short-term strategies include enhancing HESCO barriers and constructing an extended levee to protect homes.

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A preferred long-term solution involves a lake tap project that would continuously drain the glacial basin to prevent flooding. The agency is also considering sturdier barriers and river channel modifications as medium-term options. The timeline for the long-term solution remains unclear, with estimates ranging from six years to a decade.