Areas of Alaska’s capital are on high alert as officials prepare for what could be record-breaking floodwaters, triggered by snowmelt and rain rushing downstream from Suicide Basin — a side basin dammed by the Mendenhall Glacier.

The glacier, located about 12 miles from Juneau, is a major tourist draw thanks to its proximity and easy walking trail access. But for some of the 30,000 residents who live on the city’s outskirts, especially near Mendenhall Lake and the river that flows from it, the glacier’s beauty is now a source of danger.

“A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin. The basin is releasing and flooding is expected along Mendenhall Lake and River,” Juneau officials said in a news release on Tuesday . Residents in flood zones were advised to evacuate immediately.

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