Water resources and surficial geology of the Mendenhall Valley, Alaska

Abstract

The Mendenhall Valley, about 10 miles northwest of the city of Juneau, is part of the Greater Juneau Borough in southeast Alaska (Index map). Average yearly rainfall measured at the Juneau Airport is 54.9 inches. Average temperature in January is 25°F. and in July 56°F. The 20-mile square study area includes a lowlying glacial valley bordered by steep mountain slopes and the narrow hilly Mendenhall Peninsula that extends 2 miles southward into the tidewater of Gastineau Channel. The peninsula is underlain by Bedrock, the valley by alluvial fill. The peninsula and valley are among the most promising large areas available for future development in the borough.