flooding

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire Denise Koch, director of engineering and public works for the City and Borough of Juneau, explains efforts being made to secure various types of flood mitigation funding while City Manager Katie Koester listens during a Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night in the Assembly Chambers.

City still seeking millions in federal flood funding, despite FEMA disaster aid rejection

NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers, others being asked to help with future prevention efforts.

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire Denise Koch, director of engineering and public works for the City and Borough of Juneau, explains efforts being made to secure various types of flood mitigation funding while City Manager Katie Koester listens during a Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night in the Assembly Chambers.
Rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River on Sept. 3, a month after record flooding from Suicide Basin caused extensive damage. Concern has been expressed by some residents who paying for the fill to protect their homes that others who opt not to do so will increase the risk of another flood causing further erosion. One property owner who has not done so said it makes no sense for him to spent that money since his home was destroyed, and isn’t getting sufficient assistance or insurance to replace it. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

City meeting to update Mendenhall River flooding issues and answer public questions set for Monday

In-person, remote and written testimony being accepted by Assembly’s Committee of the Whole.

Rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River on Sept. 3, a month after record flooding from Suicide Basin caused extensive damage. Concern has been expressed by some residents who paying for the fill to protect their homes that others who opt not to do so will increase the risk of another flood causing further erosion. One property owner who has not done so said it makes no sense for him to spent that money since his home was destroyed, and isn’t getting sufficient assistance or insurance to replace it. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The living room of Marty and Marjorie McKeown’s house remains exposed a month after record flooding of the Mendenhall River eroded the couple’s backyard and portions of the earth under their home. In the backdrop next door are the remains of a home that mostly collapsed into the river during the flood and a condominium that is being propped up with posts and rock fill in an attempt to make it safe to occupy again. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Between rocks and a hard place for flood victims trying to save homes

Many residents paying to install rock fill along riverbank, but cost just one of many concerns.

The living room of Marty and Marjorie McKeown’s house remains exposed a month after record flooding of the Mendenhall River eroded the couple’s backyard and portions of the earth under their home. In the backdrop next door are the remains of a home that mostly collapsed into the river during the flood and a condominium that is being propped up with posts and rock fill in an attempt to make it safe to occupy again. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
University of Alaska environmental science professor Eran Hood (foreground right) and National Weather Service Juneau hydrologist Aaron Jacobs discuss their hope of renaming Suicide Basin to Kʼóox Ḵaadí Basin, a Tlingit name referring to a small weasel-like mammal in the area — during a presentation Friday at the University of Alaska Southeast. They also discussed the basin’s history, a record flood from it that occurred this summer and the possibility of future such floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Video

Experts seek to rename Suicide Basin to Kʼóox Ḵaadí Basin; warn its deadly flood threat rising

History, future and monitoring of ice dam that caused record flooding this year focus of UAS event.

University of Alaska environmental science professor Eran Hood (foreground right) and National Weather Service Juneau hydrologist Aaron Jacobs discuss their hope of renaming Suicide Basin to Kʼóox Ḵaadí Basin, a Tlingit name referring to a small weasel-like mammal in the area — during a presentation Friday at the University of Alaska Southeast. They also discussed the basin’s history, a record flood from it that occurred this summer and the possibility of future such floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Video
A home hangs over the edge of an eroded riverbank after part of the neighboring house fell into the Mendenhall River during the record flooding of Suicide Basin on Aug. 5. The rest of the second home was later demolished. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Federal SBA loans available for people, businesses affected by Suicide Basin flooding

Agency responds favorably to state request after FEMA rejects disater aid.

A home hangs over the edge of an eroded riverbank after part of the neighboring house fell into the Mendenhall River during the record flooding of Suicide Basin on Aug. 5. The rest of the second home was later demolished. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
Recently installed rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River where record flooding caused extensive damage in early August, including washing away part of a home where the riverbank remains unprotected. Residents along the riverbank are expressing concerns about the costs of the protection, as well as anyone not able or willing to have such fill installed because the gaps will leave the area vulnerable to future floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

FEMA disaster aid denied for residents, infrastructure affected by Suicide Basin flooding

Deadline to apply for state disaster aid is Oct. 9

Recently installed rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River where record flooding caused extensive damage in early August, including washing away part of a home where the riverbank remains unprotected. Residents along the riverbank are expressing concerns about the costs of the protection, as well as anyone not able or willing to have such fill installed because the gaps will leave the area vulnerable to future floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
In this photo provided by Elizabeth Wilkins is Leo the cat on Aug. 31. Elizabeth Wilkins and her partner Tom Schwartz were reunited with Leo 26 days after their home collapsed Aug. 5 into the swollen Mendenhall River. (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

Couple reunited with cat 26 days after home collapsed into flooded Mendenhall River

A pair of Alaska teachers needed good news after they lost nearly all their possessions when their house collapsed into a river swollen by a… Continue reading

In this photo provided by Elizabeth Wilkins is Leo the cat on Aug. 31. Elizabeth Wilkins and her partner Tom Schwartz were reunited with Leo 26 days after their home collapsed Aug. 5 into the swollen Mendenhall River. (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)
A map shows the location of Suicide Basin, an ice dam which since 2011 has released water into the Mendenhall Lake and River in an annual cycle known as a jökulhlaup. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Bomb the glacier? City leaders say they’re willing to evaluate all options after flood

Drastic measures for Suicide Basin appear impractical, river protection more likely, officials say.

A map shows the location of Suicide Basin, an ice dam which since 2011 has released water into the Mendenhall Lake and River in an annual cycle known as a jökulhlaup. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Homes along the Mendenhall River damaged by record flooding on Aug. 5 are seen hanging over an eroded embankment a day later. The flood has been declared a state disaster and officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived in Juneau on Wednesday to assess if federal disaster assistance is warranted. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

FEMA officials arrive in Juneau to assess flood damage

Assessors will work with state, local and tribal officials to determine if federal aid is warranted.

Homes along the Mendenhall River damaged by record flooding on Aug. 5 are seen hanging over an eroded embankment a day later. The flood has been declared a state disaster and officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived in Juneau on Wednesday to assess if federal disaster assistance is warranted. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
Sam Hatch (left) and Amanda Hatch (right) show pictures of their flood-damaged home to Mike Macans, an individual assistance branch chief for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, at a newly opened disaster assistance center at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library on Monday. State and local officials are offering in-person assistance at the center through Wednesday to people affected by record flooding from Suicide Basin earlier this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Disaster assistance center opens at Mendenhall library for Suicide Basin flood victims

State and local officials offering immediate as well as longer-term help with aid requests.

Sam Hatch (left) and Amanda Hatch (right) show pictures of their flood-damaged home to Mike Macans, an individual assistance branch chief for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, at a newly opened disaster assistance center at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library on Monday. State and local officials are offering in-person assistance at the center through Wednesday to people affected by record flooding from Suicide Basin earlier this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Debris from a home that partially fell into the Mendenhall River sits on the riverbank on Sunday, Aug. 6. Dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed by the flooding, which Gov. Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster as he seeks federal-level assistance. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Governor requests FEMA assessment of Suicide Basin flood damage

Action marks another step toward seeking federal disaster assistance.

Debris from a home that partially fell into the Mendenhall River sits on the riverbank on Sunday, Aug. 6. Dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed by the flooding, which Gov. Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster as he seeks federal-level assistance. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
Hundreds of people participate in a spaghetti dinner and dessert auction Saturday night at Thunder Mountain High School to raise funds for residents affected by record flooding of the Mendenhall River earlier this month. More than $20,000 was raised during the event. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Feeding a need for people forced out of homes by flood

More than $20K raised at spaghetti dinner and dessert auction at TMHS

Hundreds of people participate in a spaghetti dinner and dessert auction Saturday night at Thunder Mountain High School to raise funds for residents affected by record flooding of the Mendenhall River earlier this month. More than $20,000 was raised during the event. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Amos Andreassen, 6, hands a piece of debris to his grandmother, Peggy Tutu, on a beach in North Douglas during a community cleanup Sunday following last weekend’s record flooding of the Mendenhall River. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Cleaning up the flood’s remaining bits and big pieces

Participants in community cleanup walk the shores where items washed up a week after the disaster

Amos Andreassen, 6, hands a piece of debris to his grandmother, Peggy Tutu, on a beach in North Douglas during a community cleanup Sunday following last weekend’s record flooding of the Mendenhall River. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (left) views the Mendenhall River on Tuesday as Juneau Assembly member Wade Bryson explains changes that occurred to the riverbank due to record flooding from Suicide Basin last Saturday. Juneau state representatives Sara Hannan and Andi Story were among the other officials taking part in the trip. (Tom Mattice / City and Borough Of Juneau)

Flood cleanup, fundraising events planned this weekend

As state and federal officials consider large-scale actions, residents can offer immediate help.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (left) views the Mendenhall River on Tuesday as Juneau Assembly member Wade Bryson explains changes that occurred to the riverbank due to record flooding from Suicide Basin last Saturday. Juneau state representatives Sara Hannan and Andi Story were among the other officials taking part in the trip. (Tom Mattice / City and Borough Of Juneau)
Steve Bradford (left) and Mark Kissel, both vice presidents of the Riverside Condominiums Homeowners Association, discuss repairs to two of the complex’s buildings on Wednesday as a bulldozer places rock fill under a corner of one building exposed by erosion during record flooding of the Mendenhall River last Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Efforts underway to save two condominium buildings exposed by flood

Property managers hopeful tons of rock fill can allow people in 12 units to return home

Steve Bradford (left) and Mark Kissel, both vice presidents of the Riverside Condominiums Homeowners Association, discuss repairs to two of the complex’s buildings on Wednesday as a bulldozer places rock fill under a corner of one building exposed by erosion during record flooding of the Mendenhall River last Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
People attend a candlelit vigil that was held at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to honor Paul Rodriguez Jr., pictured, who drowned while kayaking on Mendenhall Lake in July. The search for his body has been called off following the record flooding from Suicide Basin during the weekend, officials say. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Search for body of missing kayaker will not resume following flood

It will remain suspended unless new leads are discovered, trooper says.

People attend a candlelit vigil that was held at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to honor Paul Rodriguez Jr., pictured, who drowned while kayaking on Mendenhall Lake in July. The search for his body has been called off following the record flooding from Suicide Basin during the weekend, officials say. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at an event at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal in March, on Tuesday issued a state disaster declaration for the Suicide Basin flood that occurred during the weekend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Governor issues state disaster declaration for Suicide Basin flood

Decision triggers relief funds for individuals as well as public entities

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at an event at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal in March, on Tuesday issued a state disaster declaration for the Suicide Basin flood that occurred during the weekend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
A sign marks a house along the Mendenhall River that is condemned following a glacial dam outburst Saturday that resulted in weekend flooding along the river. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Bursting ice dam in Juneau highlights risks of glacial flooding around the globe

The gray, two-story home with white trim toppled and slid, crashing into the river below as rushing waters carried off a bobbing chunk of its… Continue reading

A sign marks a house along the Mendenhall River that is condemned following a glacial dam outburst Saturday that resulted in weekend flooding along the river. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon (far left), Deputy Mayor Maria Gladziszewski (middle) and Assembly member Michelle Bonnet Hale listen during a special Assembly meeting Monday night where members OK’d a resolution to seek state and federal funding following record flooding over the weekend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City seeks state, federal assistance in aftermath of record Suicide Basin flooding

Assembly votes in special meeting to OK resolution requesting state action.

City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon (far left), Deputy Mayor Maria Gladziszewski (middle) and Assembly member Michelle Bonnet Hale listen during a special Assembly meeting Monday night where members OK’d a resolution to seek state and federal funding following record flooding over the weekend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Ava Christ, who is visiting Juneau for two weeks, picks up pieces of large debris on a beach on North Douglas on Monday afternoon. Christ, who wanted to get involved with helping the community after hearing about the “tragedy” of the flooding, said she filled about four bags of trash in just a few hours of cleanup. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Three residences partially or completely destroyed, 15 condemned by Suicide Basin flooding

Officials assessing which structures might be saved, how to clean up debris and contamination.

Ava Christ, who is visiting Juneau for two weeks, picks up pieces of large debris on a beach on North Douglas on Monday afternoon. Christ, who wanted to get involved with helping the community after hearing about the “tragedy” of the flooding, said she filled about four bags of trash in just a few hours of cleanup. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)