The U.S. Forest Service has issued a warning to Juneau residents to avoid the face of Mendenhall Glacier due to a large crack posing a significant risk of calving. The unpredictable nature of the glacier's behavior makes it dangerous to venture near the face, where large ice chunks could fall and cause injuries or fatalities. The warning comes as many residents have been enjoying winter activities on the frozen lake near the glacier.
The U.S. Forest Service issued a warning to Juneau residents on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, advising them to avoid the face of the Mendenhall Glacier due to a large crack posing a risk of significant calving. Paul Robbins Jr., a spokesperson for the Forest Service, stated in an interview that it is impossible to predict when or to what extent the ice might break off, emphasizing the need for caution.
This warning comes as hundreds of Juneau residents have been enjoying recreational activities on the frozen lake near the glacier in recent weeks. The Juneau Nordic Ski Club maintains groomed cross-country ski trails on the frozen lake, and walking paths through the snow lead towards the glacier's face.Every winter, the Forest Service cautions residents about the dangers of venturing onto the frozen lake. In December, when the ice first froze, Capital City Fire/Rescue Chief Rich Etheridge echoed this warning, advising residents to stay off the lake entirely. He explained that a rescue mission in this situation would be extremely challenging and could endanger rescuers. Etheridge emphasized the risks, stating, 'Our recommendation is stay off the ice until this large chunk gives way. It's beautiful, and everybody wants to be out there. But is it really worth the risk of being stuck out there in that freezing water, which could very well be a fatal event?'Robbins noted that the glacier has been experiencing significant calving activity in recent weeks, with multiple sections already falling onto the frozen lake. He highlighted the primary dangers as being in the immediate vicinity of the glacial face, due to the potential for large ice chunks to fall and crush anyone nearby. Additionally, he warned that when these large chunks hit the ice-covered lake, it could create cracks and instability, making the ice unsafe for skiers or skaters. In December, footage captured Juneau residents running across the ice away from the glacier's face after a large chunk of ice calved, causing the lake ice to flex and crack. The National Weather Service typically recommends maintaining a distance of at least 300 yards from the glacier's face
Mendenhall Glacier Calving Juneau U.S. Forest Service Ice Crack Safety Warning
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