Alaska Science Center Seminar Series
The USGS Alaska Science Center has a monthly seminar series that runs from October through May. This series highlights the multiple research programs that are taking place across all disciplines at the center.
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Join us for the 2026 Seminar Series
Talks will not be recorded because some of the information provided in these seminars is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. Some of the information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.
Title: U.S. Geological Survey monitoring of glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. (Alaska Standard Time)
Presenters: Jeff Conaway, Associate Center Director for Water, Ice, and Landscape Dynamics and Jamie Pierce, Hydrologic Technician
About the Talk: Since 2011, the Mendenhall River in Juneau has experienced annual glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) originating from Suicide Basin, posing significant risks to homes, infrastructure, and public safety. The 2024 flood reached record levels and impacted over 300 homes, making it the most severe event to date. In 2025, another record-breaking flood occurred, but damage was limited to 47 homes thanks to new mitigation measures installed by the City and Borough of Juneau, including a temporary levee and HESCO barrier system. These improvements represent a major step forward in reducing flood impacts, though flooding remains an ongoing hazard.
To support forecasting and emergency response, the USGS Alaska Science Center actively monitors conditions using satellite-modem cameras, laser tracking, and real-time water sensors in the glacial-dammed lake and along the Mendenhall River. This data enables the National Weather Service to predict flood timing and magnitude, allowing local officials to make informed decisions about evacuations and road closures. It also informs the design and evaluation of mitigation measures to further reduce risk. These efforts are part of a collaborative partnership between USGS, the City and Borough of Juneau, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Continued investment in monitoring technology and infrastructure is critical to protecting lives and property as these annual flood events persist.
Microsoft Teams:
Location: Leslie Holland-Bartels Conference Room, Glenn Olds Hall Building, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage (Click here for a map). Please park at the Carr-Gottstein Building.
Webinar information: A webinar will be available for all talks for those who cannot make it in person. For additional details or to be added to the electronic notification list, please contact Joe Eisaguirre.
2026 Schedule
(will update as information becomes available)
| Date | Title | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January 13, 2026 @10:00 a.m. | Close-kin mark-recapture (with comparisons to traditional mark-recapture) for estimating abundance of wildlife populations | Rebecca Taylor |
| February 25, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. | U.S. Geological Survey monitoring of glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska | Jeff Conaway, Jamie Pierce |