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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Response

At a glance

  • What: The city response to annual glacial lake outburst floods on the Mendenhall River: HESCO barrier funding, a changed cost split for Local Improvement District 210, federal reimbursement, and an Army Corps of Engineers midterm solution.
  • Where it stands: In June and July 2026 the Assembly adopted an $18,015,000 barrier appropriation and shifted the full barrier cost to the city; Phase 2 barrier work was completed; a lake release was forecast for August 9 to 18, 2026.
  • Next: Committee of the Whole flood update (planned for July), Corps design and public engagement, and a public hearing on the FEMA appropriation.

Funding actions

  • Ordinance 2025-01(b)(AM), $18,015,000 for added HESCO barrier phases from the state Clean Water Nonpoint Source revolving loan fund. Resolution 4045 raises the loan application from $7,830,000 to $25,845,000, with 50% loan forgiveness and a 0.5% fee. Authority beyond summer 2026 work is held in reserve until the Assembly authorizes more work and repayment. Mr. Kelly moved; adopted by unanimous consent June 8, 2026.
  • Ordinance 2024-40(am)(b)(A) changes the cost split for Local Improvement District 210 (Phase 1) from 40/60 to 0/100, so the city pays the full barrier installation cost; armoring for four properties and reserves are unchanged. Deputy Mayor Smith moved; unanimous consent June 8. Debbie Penrose-Fischer thanked the Assembly, called the district process a model, and criticized that Phase 1 owners were charged while Phase 2 got free federal aid. Deputy Mayor Smith acknowledged the district was set up under imperfect circumstances to protect homes quickly.
  • Ordinance 2025-01(b)(AQ), $526,602 in FEMA funds (and deappropriating $302,781 of reserve funds) for 2024 response and repairs: View Drive stormwater $102,281, Rivercourt Way embankment $127,192, debris removal $246,629, Emily Way sinkhole $50,500. Introduced July 27 on consent; more FEMA applications are pending.

Army Corps midterm solution (June 8, 2026)

Manager Koester reported the Corps found the full hardening and armoring project cost-prohibitive and is designing a phased midterm solution in the Phase 1 area, likely driven sheet piling that is far more resilient than HESCO barriers and cheaper to maintain. She authorized design work; details on affected properties, appearance and timeline are not yet known. Mr. Kelly asked how the public can weigh in; she said the Corps committed to parallel engagement and the city is a required partner for permitting, access and maintenance. A public open house was held June 9 and a Committee of the Whole update was planned for July.

Preparedness (July 27, 2026)

Manager Koester said the lake basin was projected to fill August 8 to 12 with release August 9 to 18 at about 15.5 feet, comparable to last year. Corps Phase 2 barrier reinforcement was complete and the city had reinforced Phase 1. Measures: mandatory evacuation of the affected area, suspension of Capital Transit service during evacuation, Army Corps pumps, 7,500 pre-filled sandbags at Saturday distribution events, coordination with congregate care facilities, a public flood hotline and emergency text alerts.

Sources

Log

2026-07-27 - Regular Assembly Meeting

Staff preparedness update; FEMA appropriation introduced.

2026-06-08 - Regular Assembly Meeting

HESCO loan appropriation and cost-split change adopted; Corps update.

  • 2026-11-02 - 2026-11-02 - Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession: GLOF Strike Team update 2 on the agenda; the packet says flood control is run through an emergency disaster declaration in place since 2024.
  • 2026-11-16 - 2026-11-16 - Regular Assembly Meeting: Resolution 4066 on the consent agenda would extend prior declarations and declare an ongoing local emergency for the annual glacial lake outburst flood (the 2027 flood), request continued state assistance and extend the declaration 180 days from adoption. Resolution 3071 (August 6, 2024) first declared the emergency and Resolution 4050 extended it through December 15, 2026.

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