Always Have a Backup Plan

[tee_harbor]

I know it takes weeks to plan your trip as it is, but something that happened today in Juneau shows why it's a good idea to bring along the contact info and hours for your second choices of excursions.

 

Millions of gallons of water were released from Mendenhall Glacier, starting last night, and resulting in high water levels and flooding: http://juneauempire.com/local/2011-07-20/mendenhall-lake-set-flood-river-could-follow-nws-says#.TijQDWXYS9g

 

So if you were planning on river rafting, the Mendenhall Lake canoe paddle, walking to Nugget Falls, and a few other excursions today, you would have been out of luck. On the other hand, you would have been able to view a rare and exciting natural wonder. :D

[PennyAgain]

I saw this news story break.

 

Of course the people who live in Juneau can head for higher ground, but visitors may find all manner of things cancelled.

 

Thanks for the news link. I will use it.

[blakey]

Wow!!! Thank you for posting. I wasn't aware and will add contact info for all excursions.

[Mendenhall Ranger]

The glacial flood has tapered off and the water level has receded on Mendenhall Lake, allowing West Glacier Trailhead to be reopened Thursday evening. However, Nugget Falls Trail is still closed - the start of the trail is under about 5 feet of water!

 

We nearly had to close Photo Point this afternoon - at the very crest of the flood around noon, the lake was about two inches from overtopping the pedestrian bridge to the overlook.

 

 

tee_harbor's advice is spot-on. You might not have been able to walk to the falls yesterday, but you could see a TON of sockeye salmon who took advantage of the high water to make an easy swim into Steep Creek.

[Adventures ahead]

We cruise mid-August.

 

Any predictions on how long trails will be out of commission?

[gregdude]

By mid August everything should be frozen over, winter comes early to Alaska!:D

[Mendenhall Ranger]

All trails at Mendenhall Glacier have reopened.

[igepal]

It's great that the trails are open again. I'm going to be there next Saturday. Any changes in the glacier views that we should watch out for?