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Discover the heartbeat of Juneau's cultural and community landscape with 'Capital Chat.' This series explores the vibrant world of the community, arts, and dynamic cultural and social events happening in Alaska's Capital City. Tune in to 'Capital Chat' for your essential guide to the pulse of our community, where every story is an adventure and every voice matters.
And now Capital Chat on KINY, where we connect you with Juneau in Southeast Alaska's community organizations only on KINY.
Speaker 2:KINY Juneau. Justin Miller joining you in the studio this morning. And today, we have very important information to throw out there. I'm sure we've we've heard a lot about it. It's long standing Juno tradition, I want to say now.
Speaker 2:With the Glacier Alper's flood we have, I'm going to let you guys introduce yourselves real quick.
Speaker 3:Thanks, Justin. This is Ryan O'Shaughnessy. I'm the emergency programs manager for the city and borough of Juno.
Speaker 4:And I'm Sarah McDonald. I'm the GIS and Operations Technician for Emergency Programs with CBJ.
Speaker 5:And my name is Phil Hibshin. I'm the Engagement Specialist at CBJ, and I work with these two lovely people. Well,
Speaker 2:thank you so much, three of you, for joining us in the studio today, and you've been very hard at work lately. I can't say that enough. You've been working really hard as far as making sure Juno is prepared and informed, and we're just here today to kind of echo that information again, make sure people really have all their steps in place. So first off, I wanted to talk about what should Juneau residents know about the outlook for 2026 of this year's flood?
Speaker 3:Yeah. That that's a great question, Justin. So in terms of how the basin is filling, right? Because as you as you said, this is kind of becoming a a tradition, for lack of a better word. This is becoming somewhat routine.
Speaker 3:So we're watching the basin fill again just like we have in years past. And currently, the the most recent forecast from the National Weather Service is that the basin will be really be full around the same time as it has been in years past. So within that kind of first week or two of August.
Speaker 2:Okay. Ryan, can you also explain what conditions emergency managers are monitoring as we move through this kind of period here?
Speaker 3:Yeah. So we a framework that's called Ready, Set, Go as we kind of move through this period. So right now we're in Ready. And the conditions that we're monitoring are really the state of the basin and then what's going on with our primary mitigation tools, Hesco barriers, sandbags and things like that, and getting things in place. Once we see the basin become full, we'll move into the phase of this framework set.
Speaker 3:Once we're at set, that's when it's time for folks to really kind of put their plans into action, right? Like make sure there's gas in the car, have their go bag packed, things like that. Once we start to see the basin release, typically we've got about twelve to forty eight hours before we see peak flow in the river and that's go. When we see the basin start to release, that's when it's time to evacuate.
Speaker 2:Okay. My next question is for you, Sarah. What role does GIS and operations play in preparing for this potential or not potential, we know it's going to happen for the Glacier Alperch flood?
Speaker 4:Absolutely. Thank you, Justin. GIS is really important and for those that don't know, it's geographic information systems. So a lot of maps, data collection and stuff like that. So a lot of decisions that we make are informed by mapping.
Speaker 4:So by knowing for the evacuation map, for instance, it's important to know how many homes or structures or malls are in the, evacuation zone. And it also can help us inform decisions like how much it could potentially cost for damages or how much money it's going to cost like that the Hesco barriers protect. So it's really important for mapping. And I don't say that just because I love it.
Speaker 2:Well, it's a good idea to really look into your area where you're living at and how do folks find that map. Like, it's on the website, but is there an easier way to kind of just pop on the website, click on the map and see?
Speaker 4:Yeah, absolutely. So if you go to the CBJ Flood Preparedness website, there's a big red button that says evacuation map. And on there, you can also plug in your address and to see if you are in the zone. And I know it's a very big area this year compared to last year, and it looks scary. And one of the reasons why it looks a lot different is this year, not only is it if your house or property would get inundated with water, but it would also be if, the roads are closed off due to water.
Speaker 4:So your potentially, your house might not flood, but if the road is closed off and you can't evacuate or EMS can't get to you, that's why some people or some areas are in the evacuation area compared to last year.
Speaker 2:Okay. So nice reminder, folks, if you're listening and tuning in, check that map, make sure you're in a safe zone. And if you even are at that borderline, still have that preparedness ready.
Speaker 4:Absolutely. Yeah. And it's always very important to just be ready. Have those go bags, like Ryan said, have the evacuation plan, have an idea of where you're going all before because when when things start going, it gets a little hectic and we start forgetting things. So Well,
Speaker 2:there's a lot of work has gone into this year. Like, if you just look at from the Hesco's set up last year compared to this year, it's a big change. And that's kind of what else has evolved into this year's planning compared to past years?
Speaker 3:Yeah. That's a great question, Justin. So we have we have learned a lot from last year, both, you know, the good and the bad, and we've accounted that all the way through our planning this year. Probably one of the biggest changes is the presence of the Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps was able to come here to Juneau under advanced authorities and and help us build two and a half times the length of Hesco barrier protection that we had last year.
Speaker 3:So we have a significant significantly more protection in terms of Hesco barriers. So that's a big change from last year. Another big change from last year last year that the Army Corps has provided is the the presence of some some high high high capacity commercial pumps. You know, the Hesco barriers are not perfect. They're a fragile system.
Speaker 3:You know, we've seen some issues with them. They're they're they're big bags of sand. And so they will, like, seep some water through. As we know, the soil in the valley is all sand and silt. And so we will have some groundwater seeping up and have some kind of localized flooding.
Speaker 3:And so those pumps will help us control some of that seepage and localized flooding.
Speaker 2:Okay. And I noticed yeah. I noticed the big pipes coming over the Hesco barriers driving down Riverside Drive on my way to the radio station and like, man, those are heavy duty looking pipes. Looks like they could really move some water once they're flipped on. So I'm excited to see how those mitigate the water levels this year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah, we are too. Think one of the best ways that folks can see what that looks like is tuning into the Eyes of the River Project by Juneau Flood Solution Advocates. They've done a ton of work to make sure that folks can see what's going on on the river, but they can stay safe and stay away from the river. And staying away from the river and staying off of the Hesco barriers is really, really important. You know, last year we saw a section of Hesco barriers be taken out by a tree in just seconds.
Speaker 3:And so being on the Hesco barriers is incredibly hazardous. And we really want to stress to everyone who's listening to please stay off of and away from the Hesco barriers during this event.
Speaker 2:That's a good reminder. Yeah, I never even thought about like, oh, it's nice to climb. Like, nope, to stay off
Speaker 3:of the Absolutely not.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I really was curious about this, but how important was it with the collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers with this year of glacier flooding? Like, obviously, we've kind of made it work with our main crew here in Juneau, but how important was it for having them on board this year?
Speaker 3:It was super important. And earlier you had asked about what 's changed from last year. And again, the presence of the Army Corps is huge. But one thing that hasn't changed is the collaboration with all of our Corps partners. So we're working really, really closely with Tlingit Haida, with the State of Alaska, with the National Weather Service, with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Speaker 3:All levels of government are working on this, right? Tribal, local, state and federal. And without that collaboration, there's no way that any one of our agencies could be prepared to respond on their
Speaker 2:own. Okay. Kind of shifting gears towards homes again a little bit. So we all kind of know if listening right now and this is your first year in Juneau, then this is very important to listen to. But a lot of us kind of know to expect sandbagging or using plastic tarps.
Speaker 2:And is there some tips that you could give to homeowners like the like a really good, effective way to really kind of block some of that water that might get into their homes?
Speaker 4:Yeah, absolutely. So, again, amazing partnership with the Army Corps. You know, they do this day in and day out all over the country and they have really great resources, which some we we have also posted on our website. They also Facebook page. And if, you know, social media isn't your thing, we do have brochures as well about how the best way to stack, whether that's a pyramid or just a straight line stack.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 4:So and, we also do sandbagging events every Saturday from here on out, from eleven to three. So we will also have that information there if you wanna pick that up at Diamond yeah. Sorry. The sandbagging event is gonna be at Diamond Park over by the Fieldhouse. And, again, the Army Corps is so fantastic.
Speaker 4:They've given us a sandbagging machine this year, which has made it a thousand times easier on not only those that are volunteering to help put sandbags in people's car, but help with residents. And that's a huge thing we've heard is residents are very, very grateful. And, you know, sandbagging used to take a whole day or two, and now it's only taking a couple hours. So if you need sandbags, please come on out on Saturdays from eleven to three at Diamond Park. We are here to try to make it as easy as possible as we really can.
Speaker 2:And I love this community as far as that goes because a lot of times people volunteer their own efforts to help other homeowners sandbag and prepare their houses and kind of just show up and hang out and at the sandbagging spot and it's like, do you need an extra hand or anything like that? So I love the Juno community that they're willing to just take their time to help our neighbors out or their friends or family and that's really great. So again, the sandbagging stuff is at Diamond Park from eleven to three on this Saturday?
Speaker 4:Yep. This Saturday, next Saturday.
Speaker 3:Every Saturday until the basin releases.
Speaker 4:Yep. Yep. So we'll be there. And, yeah, if you need sandbags, come and get them. There's so many all Yeah.
Speaker 4:The There's a lot of sandbags all the time.
Speaker 2:And it's crazy to look at how the glacier outpost flood has just kind of evolved through the years. It used to just flood kind of the skaters cabin in the lake area right there. It wouldn't really go past that area, but now we're getting higher flood levels, more water getting into neighborhoods. And I kind of want to ask you guys, what has been some common mistakes you see people as far as being prepared for the flooding?
Speaker 3:I think that, you know, the whole community is learning every year. Right? We've we've seen this event look very different for the last several cycles. In 2023, there were some homes that were catastrophically destructed. There there was, you know, condos that were undermined.
Speaker 3:And then in 2024, we saw widespread inundation. Whereas '25, right, the inundation was limited to localized flooding. And so I think that everybody is is constantly trying to assess and that's, you know, it takes an emotional toll on folks who are living this. But I think that some of the things that I'd really like to stress is that the Hescos are absolutely not safe. That's a big change that we've seen year over year and I think people are still kind of adjusting to how to interact with those.
Speaker 3:And there no way to be near or on the Hesco barrier during this flood that is safe. It is absolutely a highly hazardous place to be.
Speaker 2:Okay. Yeah. Stay away from the Hesco barriers, folks. One thing I feel like a lot of us want to protect are important valuables or documents. And usually the go to situation of flood is put it as high up in your house as
Speaker 5:possible, There's a lot of guidelines available for how to prep your personal belongings and prep for evacuation. Sheltering efforts are being spearheaded by the American Red Cross, and the shelter is going to be available at Floyd Dryden. And they have provided guidelines on how to prep, how to create go bags and all that stuff and those are available on the flood preparedness website which is bit.lyjunofloodready I believe. So you can look up all the information there, start preparing. And something else that I think is really important for people to keep in mind is just having the correct information.
Speaker 5:As you said at the beginning this segment, that's what we're here to do, is give people the information. And I know Juno is a community where it's really easy to hear things through the grapevine and have just different things going on, but we're really committed to providing everyone the information they need from CBJ, and in that vein, we are going to have a flood hotline going live later today.
Speaker 3:Oh, okay.
Speaker 5:And people can call that, the number is (907) 500-0890, and they will the phone will be answered by a live person ready to answer their questions about preparedness, how to evacuate, and just provide any resources they might need. That will be available nine to four, so business hours Monday through Friday before the basin is full. Once it's filled, those hours will extend to weekend days.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 5:And then once release has begun, that hotline will go to a 247 cycle. Whenever people need questions answered, we'll be there for them. Awesome.
Speaker 2:I'm glad that's a resource this year and for folks that are still unsure what needs to happen or need more information, like you're saying, not everyone's on social media or whatnot. It's So great to have that other avenue. You said Floyd Dryden was going to be a shelter again for the flood this year. Is there going to be other shelters for folks to go to or is it just going to be Floyd Dryden?
Speaker 5:Floyd Dryden is the only I'm gonna say official shelter organized by Red Cross. If people have other family, friends living elsewhere in Juneau that they're able to stay with, we recommend they do that just because the Floyd Drayton Shelter is a finite space and we want to make sure everyone has room to be safe. Gotcha. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Alright. So we have a couple more minutes left of the program. So real quick, we covered resources on website on how to check, make sure your area is safe. Stay away from the Hesco barriers. We've got the phone hotline so the your smartphone will ring like crazy when it's almost flood time.
Speaker 2:Is there any other information that we need throw out there real quick?
Speaker 5:Sign up for emergency alerts? I'm kind of surprised we haven't plugged that in. Absolutely.
Speaker 3:Signing up for emergency alerts is best way that you can stay in the loop and get critical information as you need it. There's a couple really easy ways to sign up for emergency alerts. First is to text CBJ to the number 38276. You can also go to the CBJ website. There's a button on the flood preparedness page to sign up, but we really recommend that folks sign up for those emergency alerts.
Speaker 2:Good. Good. Yeah, I think I'm already signed up from years past, so once you kind of get signed up on your phone, it kind of sticks on it forever or do I have to do it again this year for the alerts?
Speaker 3:Nope. It stays on until you opt out. And if you wanna just double check, if you're if you're if you're you're signed up for emergency alerts, just text CBJ to 38276, and it'll say you are signed up. It won't unsubscribe you if you do it twice. Okay.
Speaker 2:Well, I'll make sure we plug that phone number and all that stuff all across the radio station so everyone's informed that they have that number and how to do it. So we'll make sure folks are signed up and ready to go for this year's Glacier Lake Outburst flood. That's a mouthful. I'm so used to call it the Yokulep or Suicide Basin flood for so long. I used to work on the river there.
Speaker 2:So it was just like, yeah, it's Yokulep. And so kind of disappeared a little bit. But Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Phil Hipshin, Sarah McDonald, thank you so much for joining us in the studio today. Real quick, any last things we need to throw out there before we wrap things up?
Speaker 5:I think we covered all of it.
Speaker 3:I think so. I think we just want everyone to know that all levels of government are working together to not only manage this event this year and in the upcoming weeks, but also to pursue a long term funding. We really appreciate everyone's support.
Speaker 2:Well, appreciate all of you and all your hard work and efforts that you've been putting into the preparedness and just making sure everyone's ready to go. And yeah, we'll keep working together and making sure we're all ready, informed and just have a plan for this year's Glacier Lake Outburst flood. Thank you so much for joining us here in the studio and I'm sure we'll hear from you again shortly. I'm sure.
Speaker 4:Thank you so much.
Speaker 3:Thanks. Thanks, Justin.
Speaker 2:That's been Capital Chat here on KINY.
Speaker 1:You've been listening to Capital Chat on KINY, your connection to the people and organizations making a difference in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Subscribe