Flooding affects Forest Service recreation areas in Juneau

JUNEAU, AK, August 12, 2014 — In anticipation of another significant glacier outburst flood affecting Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River, the Tongass National Forest is preparing to close a number of recreation facilities adjacent to the lake and prohibiting the use of watercraft on the lake itself.

Currently Nugget Falls Trail is now closed to visitors. The Photo Point Trail will be monitored for potential closure. These closures will remain in effect until further notice.

Forest Service officials would like to stress the high risk to anyone who is on or near the glacier during the flood, due to the high likelihood of unpredictable effects. According to scientists at the University of Alaska Southeast, the flood may cause ice caves to collapse, create unexpected movements in the glacier, or result in rock and icefalls from the face of the glacier.