The Valdez Glacier ice-dammed lake (IDL) began releasing this morning. Anticipate rising water levels in Valdez Glacier Lake and Valdez Glacier Stream during the next few weeks due to the biannual release.
The IDL is formed by water pooling next to glacial formations; it is located several miles up the Valdez Glacier. When enough water pools behind the IDL, water may begin to flow on top of the glacier and/or pressure causes the ice to rise, allowing the lake to drain down the mountain into the Valdez Glacier Lake and Valdez Glacier Stream. This is called an “outburst event” and may cause erosion, flooding, and buoyancy of icebergs in the lake. Lake ice is unstable and can shift or move without warning, but is especially active during outburst events. It is important to take extreme caution when recreating in the area and avoid the stream, stream banks, and ice, as water levels rise and fall.
Outburst events occur bi-annually, typically in mid-June because of heavy summer snowmelt, but less frequently in the Fall when attributed to glacial meltwater and heavy rain.
This outburst event is mirroring last year’s release. Water levels are expected to rise an additional 2-3 feet by Wednesday morning before receding during the day Wednesday. No significant flooding is expected at this time. Visit https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=70864334 for more information. City officials are monitoring this event.
The City of Valdez encourages residents and visitors to use extra precautions while recreating in or around Valdez Glacier Lake and Valdez Glacier Stream and to avoid Glacier Haul Dump Road. Should a rapid rise in the lake or stream occur, remember to move immediately to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
To learn more about the ice-dammed lake, visit https://bit.ly/3pB7JGa.
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Contacts: Aaron Baczuk, emergency manager, (907) 835-4560 or ABaczuk@PD.ValdezAK.Gov
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