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.

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.