Key Aspects:
- A glacial lake outburst flood is expected in the coming days at Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau.
- Excursions may be impacted as the flood is imminent, and trails near the glacier may be closed.
- No cruise lines are currently changing itineraries or cancelling stops in Juneau.
Alaska can be a once-in-a-lifetime destination for any cruiser, and viewing glaciers is an iconic part of such a trip. The Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau is one of the most popular spots to have this awe-inspiring experience.
Cruise guests visiting Juneau over the next few weeks may not be able to get as close to the glacier as they would hope, however.
An impending glacial lake outburst is being carefully watched at Suicide Basin, the home of Mendenhall Glacier. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US Forest Service, and the City of Juneau are working together to watch for the potential flood.
According to Travel Juneau, the glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is expected within the next 2-3 weeks. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is preparing for what could be record-level flooding.
“In advance of any outburst, all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) and the Mendenhall Campground will be closed and evacuated,” Travel Juneau verified.
“Excursions in the area will be cancelled and remain so until facilities and trails in the area are inspected, cleaned, and confirmed safe for use.”
Flooding can wash out trails, uproot trees, or lead to rockslides or mudslides that can cause even more damage.
The visitor center plans to remain open if possible, and the US Forest Service is also hoping to keep the popular Trail of Time open. That beginner-friendly trail is just under a mile long and conveniently located near the visitor center.
These adjustments, as well as the flooding itself, will undoubtedly impact cruise shore tours and guests’ independent plans to visit Mendenhall Glacier.
Because July and August are the peak time for Alaska cruises, dozens of ships and thousands of guests may be impacted if the flood occurs.
This includes sailings for Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and more.
To be clear, the Juneau cruise docks are not at risk, as they are roughly 10 miles southeast of the glacier. Nevertheless, cruise lines will stay alerted to any potential threat and will adjust shore excursions as needed.
No cruise lines are adjusting itineraries or visits to Juneau. Some visits could be disrupted right at the time any flooding occurs, but that decision will be made by the cruise lines as necessary.
Can the Flood Be Predicted?
As with any natural event, the exact timing of the GLOF will be up to Mother Nature. Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, however, with record-level flooding on August 6, 2024.
When that ice dam burst, at least 100 homes and hundreds of vehicles were damaged as the Mendenhall River Valley flooded more than a foot higher than previous high tide records.
According to the National Weather Service, the basin is now 40 feet lower than it was in 2024, so any flooding may not be quite as catastrophic.
The overall impact can be difficult to predict, however, and depends on temperatures, rainfall levels, and other factors. Furthermore, the basin’s water levels continue to rise each day, putting more pressure on ice dams and raising the flood risk.
Read Also: What’s the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?
Guests with sailings to Juneau in the next few weeks should stay in contact with their cruise line for potential updates or changes to any pre-booked shore tours. If travelers have made independent tour arrangements, they should contact their tour operator for updates.
