The interface of science and community: a look into how glacial lake
outburst flood modeling and forecasting information is utilized for
decision-making in downstream communities. Case studies of Suicide Basin
and Snow Glacier, Alaska.
Abstract
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a natural hazard that affects a
number of communities around the world. GLOFs affect a number of
downstream communities directly in Alaska, with a variety of different
impacts. This research looks into the impact of two GLOFs in Alaska on
two downstream communities: releases from Suicide Basin adjacent to
Mendenhall Glacier which affect Juneau, Alaska as well as releases from
the glacial dammed lake at Snow Glacier, which affect the Kenai
Peninsula in Alaska. Specifically, this work analyzes GLOF impacts from
a multidisciplinary perspective. For example, novel monitoring campaigns
have been undertaken in recent years to better understand and estimate
water levels in Suicide Basin. From using drone imagery to analyzing
time lapse camera images, these new approaches have allowed for a deeper
understanding of, and better preparation for, these flood events. In
addition, the GLOF impacts in both Juneau and Kenai Peninsula affects a
wide range of stakeholders. From federal and state agencies, to local
actors and emergency responders, to homeowners and businesses operating
in the floodplain, GLOFs impact these communities through different
lenses. This work delved into understanding how hydrological information
and other available GLOF informational resources are understood and
utilized by the wide range of affected stakeholders. The goal of this
work was to understand stakeholder comprehension of these scientific
information and how this information is - or is not - used for
decision-making regarding GLOFs. Findings from this work were provided
to information providers to improve their understanding of stakeholder
needs as well as to refine and develop new products to address unmet
needs and gaps. This work shows the importance of cross-cutting,
multi-discipline approaches to help ensure scientific information is
understood and used by a wide variety of stakeholders but to also create
avenues and pathways for the integration of stakeholder feedback in
scientific products, particularly as they pertain to cryospheric
hazards.