Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard

The Place Glacier flood hazard continues to present public safety risk and the Evacuation Order for properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area remains in effect.

Monitoring equipment installed at the glacier indicates that the lake is draining slowly, however additional monitoring equipment immediately downstream of the glacier indicates that this water has not yet been released into the Place Creek water channel below.

Technical experts advise that the water draining slowly from the ice-marginal lake is temporarily accumulating within the lower glacier system and the potential for a rapid outburst of flood water below the glacier remains high. In the current state, conditions can change quickly and the rate of drainage could increase at any time. 

Lidar/ortho imagery shows Place Glacier and the ice-marginal glacial lake near the top and Place Creek depicted as a blue dotted line. (Image courtesy Derek Heathfield/Hakai Institute)

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor conditions around the clock with technical experts. Residents and members of the public are reminded to stay away from Place Creek, Poole Creek, Gates Lake, and all nearby water channels. Please do not travel to the area to observe conditions.

The Place Glacier lake outburst flood is occurring now; stay away from water channels and evacuate if in Evacuation Order area

Based on consultation with technical experts and monitoring information from the ice-marginal lake at Place Glacier and its downstream water channels, the SLRD has confirmed that an outburst is underway. Hazardous debris floods are expected in Place Creek and downstream water channels, with the potential for elevated water levels, erosion, and unstable streambanks.

Technical experts anticipate flood waters are likely to peak in Place Glacier’s downstream water channels late in the day on Wednesday, July 1. Residents and members of the public are advised to stay away from Place Creek, Poole Creek, and Gates Lake until the outburst has ended and conditions have been assessed.

The SLRD issued an Evacuation Order on June 25 that is in effect for residential properties based on consultation with technical experts, the anticipated magnitude of the outburst, and the potential risk to public safety and residential structures.

The Place Glacier hazard monitoring system detected that the lake had begun to drain in the morning on June 30, 2026, and technical experts from the University of Northern British Columbia immediately notified the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre.

The most substantial flows are expected to occur late in the day on July 1 and the outburst event is expected to take one to two days. Flows are expected to be comparable to the 2024 outburst event and greater than the flows seen in 2025. The SLRD will provide updates through SLRD Alert, the SLRD website, email updates to subscribers and social media as new information becomes available.

SLRD staff and technical experts are monitoring conditions within the Evacuation Order area and will observe and assess impacts to Place Creek, Poole Creek, infrastructure, and nearby properties. The Emergency Operations Centre will use this information to determine whether additional emergency response measures are required.

This team will also coordinate closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) to monitor conditions at the Poole Creek Road culvert and advise if emergency response or maintenance activities are necessary.

Once peak flows have subsided and when it is safe to do so, the SLRD will conduct rapid damage assessments to evaluate impacts and determine the next steps for response and recovery.

The Evacuation Order will remain in effect until monitoring information and on-the-ground assessments confirm that it is safe for residents to return. At that time, the SLRD will rescind the Order and notify residents through official communication channels.

Any impacts to roads will be monitored and reported on by DriveBC. The most up to date information about any roads impacted by this event will be found on their website.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Emergency Support Services (ESS) are available for residents affected by the Evacuation Order by calling the Canadian Red Cross 24/7 Emergency Line at 1-888-800-6493.

The following emergency measures are currently in effect:

• Evacuation Order issued at 10:00 a.m. on June 25, 2026
• Declaration of State of Local Emergency (SOLE)

Evacuation Order issued due to imminent Place Glacier outburst flood hazard

This is Community Update #17 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

The Evacuation Alert issued on June 7, 2026 remains in effect for the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area. Monitoring information indicates that the ice-marginal lake at Place Glacier is now larger than it was prior to the 2025 outburst event, although still smaller than it was prior to the 2024 outburst. The SLRD continues to monitor conditions closely with support from technical experts and emergency response partners.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for SLRD Alert at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert to receive emergency notifications directly by phone, text message, or email.

Emergency Embankment Repairs
On June 11, SLRD contractors completed repairs to the Place Creek water channel embankment that was damaged during the 2025 outburst event. This channel repair work maintains Place Creek's historical flow toward Poole Creek and restores conditions that existed prior to damage caused by recent outburst events. The repairs are not intended to create a new watercourse or transfer flood risk from one area to another.

The repairs were undertaken in consultation with technical experts, Lil'wat Nation, N'Quatqua, and provincial agencies and reflects the emergency work approved for funding by the Province of British Columbia. This emergency work does not eliminate the possibility that a future outburst of sufficient magnitude could cause water to change course toward Gates Lake.

Public Safety
Residents and members of the public are reminded that hazardous conditions may exist in and around Place Creek, Poole Creek, Gates Lake, and other nearby water channels.

Increased water flows, sediment transport, erosion, unstable streambanks, and debris may occur before, during, and following an outburst event. Members of the public are strongly discouraged from hiking in especially hazardous areas along Place Creek and around Place Glacier.

Community Preparedness
A free 24/7 self-serve sandbagging station can be accessed at Gates Lake Community Park on Pemberton Portage Road for residents of the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities. Additional information about flood preparedness, making an “emergency ready plan”, and effective sandbagging is available through PreparedBC.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Residents are encouraged to pre-register for ESS at https://ess.gov.bc.ca. Pre-registration helps ensure that support can be provided more quickly if an evacuation becomes necessary. If an Evacuation Order is issued, ESS may be able to provide temporary supports such as accommodation, food, clothing, and other essential services for eligible evacuees.

Image

Place Glacier monitoring camera showing current lake conditions at 10 a.m. on June 23, 2026.

This is Community Update #16 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

The Evacuation Alert issued on June 7, 2026 remains in effect due to the risk for overland flooding and debris flooding caused by the potential outburst of the ice-marginal lake in Place Glacier. The SLRD continues to monitor conditions closely and is working with technical experts and emergency response partners.

Emergency Embankment Repairs
On June 11, SLRD contractors completed repairs to the Place Creek water channel embankment that was damaged in the outburst that occurred last year. Contractors will remain in the area over the coming days to close out the work site.

This channel repair work is intended to restore risk levels to residences at valley bottom to what they were prior to the 2024 outburst event by maintaining Place Creek’s historical flow toward Poole Creek. The repairs are not intended to create a new watercourse or transfer flood risk from one area to another. This emergency work also does not eliminate the possibility that an outburst of strong enough magnitude will cause a realignment of flow towards Gates Lake.

Place Glacier Hazard Monitoring
Data gathered from monitoring equipment installed in the lake and extent of the lake from satellite imagery indicates that the lake's volume is comparable to last year (2025) when the lake drained. This does not imply that that an outburst is imminent, however. In the days ahead, an Evacuation Order may be issued following discussion with technical experts and emergency response partners.

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre is working in close partnership with scientists at the University of Northern British Columbia and Natural Resources Canada to provide as much advance notice to community members as possible.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the SLRD Alert to receive emergency notifications directly by phone, text message, or email.

Public Safety
Residents and members of the public are reminded that hazardous conditions may exist in and around Place Creek, Poole Creek, Gates Lake, and other nearby water channels.

Increased water flows, sediment transport, erosion, unstable streambanks, and debris may occur before, during, and following an outburst event. Members of the public should avoid hiking in the backcountry near Place Creek and below or around Place Glacier and are urged to stay away from all water channels, streambanks, culverts, and low-lying areas until further notice.

Community Preparedness
A free 24/7 self-serve sandbagging station can be accessed at Gates Lake Community Park on Pemberton Portage Road for residents of the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities.
Sand and empty sandbags are available on site. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and gloves and to take only the number of sandbags reasonably required to help protect their property.

Additional information about flood preparedness, making an “emergency ready plan”, and effective sandbagging is available through PreparedBC.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)
With an Evacuation Alert currently in effect, now is the time for residents to prepare for the possibility of an evacuation. The SLRD Emergency Support Services team is coordinating with the Canadian Red Cross to prepare for a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Residents are encouraged to pre-register for ESS before an emergency occurs. Pre-registration helps ensure that support can be provided more quickly if an evacuation becomes necessary.

If an Evacuation Order is issued, ESS may be able to provide temporary supports such as accommodation, food, clothing, and other essential services for eligible evacuees.

Evacuation Alert remains in effect; update on embankment repairs and monitoring

This is Community Update #15 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

Current Situation
The Evacuation Alert issued on June 7, 2026 remains in effect for properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area due to the risk of overland flooding and debris flooding associated with a potential glacial lake outburst.

Data collected through the Place Glacier hazard monitoring system that was installed on June 3 indicates the glacial lake has reached approximately the same volume observed prior to the 2025 outburst event.

The SLRD continues to receive timely information from monitoring equipment installed at the glacier’s ice-marginal lake and is reviewing this information regularly with technical experts. This information is being used to support emergency management decisions and provide residents with as much time as possible in the event of an Evacuation Order. Community members are encouraged to review their emergency plans, prepare grab-and-go bags, and monitor official SLRD communications for updates. Visit PreparedBC for guides and other resources. 

Image

Place Glacier monitoring camera showing current lake conditions at 2 p.m. on June 8, 2026.

Emergency Embankment Repairs
Under the direction of Stantec, construction crews have been working daily since June 1 to repair sections of the embankment and water channel damaged during the June 2025 outburst event. Progress is steady and the work remains on track for completion on or before June 13. Multiple crews and construction equipment are actively engaged on site to support efficient progress of the repair work.

The purpose of this work is to help keep water flowing toward Poole Creek during periods of high flow and reduce the chance of water diverting toward Gates Lake. While construction is ongoing, the embankment is already in a substantially improved condition and is better able to withstand elevated flow conditions than it was prior to construction.

Crews on site continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and are actively monitoring flow conditions. Precautionary measures, including ongoing visual inspections and coordination among field crews, are in place to support a timely response should conditions change.

Guardians and Stewards from Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua are present on site to oversee and support the work. These repairs are considered interim measures and do not represent a long-term solution to the Place Glacier hazard.

Community Preparedness
A free 24/7 self-serve sandbagging station can be accessed at Gates Lake Community Park on Pemberton Portage Road for residents of the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities.
Sand and empty sandbags are available on site. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and gloves and to take only the number of sandbags reasonably required to help protect their property.

Additional information about flood preparedness, making an “emergency ready plan”, and effective sandbagging is available through PreparedBC.

Stay safe

Protect your home and property

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has issued an Evacuation Alert for properties in the Poole Creek / Gates Lake area of Electoral Area C due to the risk of overland flooding and debris flooding associated with a potential glacial lake outburst.

Data collected from the Place Glacier hazard monitoring system indicates that the glacial lake has reached approximately the same volume observed prior to the 2025 outburst event, with an estimated depth of approximately 24 metres. Given the potential threat to public safety and the possibility of impacts to life and safety, residents and property owners in the affected area should be prepared to leave the area on short notice.

The SLRD has issued an Evacuation Alert for the following properties:

• 8746 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 2828 Gates Creek Rd
• 2838 Gates Creek Rd
• 2842 Gates Creek Rd
• 2826 Gates Creek Rd
• 9126 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 9122 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 2816 Gates Creek Rd
• 9118 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 9102 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 2225 Poole Creek Rd
• 2235 Poole Creek Rd
• 2211 Poole Creek Rd
• 2219 Poole Creek Rd
• 8928 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 8946 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 9006 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 8902 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 8960 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 8930 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 8972 Pemberton Portage Rd
• 2201 Poole Creek Rd
• 2230 Poole Creek Rd
• 8954 Pemberton Portage Rd
• All SLRD properties as outlined in the attached maps.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises should that be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible before evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to rapidly changing conditions.

Residents and members of the public are advised to exercise caution in the area, including in backcountry locations, and to avoid streambanks and other water channels. Increased water flows, sed ment transport, erosion, and streambank instability may occur and could pose a risk to public safety. If you observe flooding impacting properties or other significant hazard conditions, please contact the SLRD at 604-384-7357.

To support preparedness efforts, a 24/7self-serve sandbagging station has been established at Gates Lake Community Park and is available free of charge to residents of the Poole Creek and Gates Lake areas. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and gloves and to take only the number of sandbags reasonably required to protect their property. 

Residents should continue to monitor official SLRD communications for updates and be prepared to leave the area on short notice if an Evacuation Order becomes necessary. NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Pre-register for Emergency Support Services online at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependants and, if= time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Prepare to move people who may need additional time to evacuate, children and/or neighbours who
  would require assistance.
• If transportation assistance is needed, call the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 604-
  384-7357.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation and accommodations for all your household members, if possible, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.

Further information will be posted in notices at www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc and through the SLRD Alert Messaging service. Subscribe to SLRD Alert for free at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert to receive emergency notifications via email, text messages, and voicemail.

This is Community Update #14 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

On June 2, 2026, the SLRD hosted a Townhall to provide an update on emergency preparedness efforts, planned embankment repairs, hazard monitoring, and ongoing coordination with partners. A recording of the Townhall is available on the SLRD’s YouTube channel.

Stantec Updates
Emergency repair work is now underway to restore sections of the Place Creek embankment including regrading damaged slopes and replacing armouring rock (riprap) to strengthen the embankment ahead of the anticipated 2026 outburst period. These emergency repair works are a short-term solution. The embankment does not store water, regulate flow from the glacial lake, or eliminate the possibility of a future outburst flood causing realignment of the channel towards Gates Lake.

Conditions in Poole Creek were assessed on May 8, 2026. The culvert at Poole Creek Road is clear of debris and blockages, sediment aggradation was noted upstream of the culvert for ~500m and it was determined that sediment removal is not practical during freshet (high flows).

Place Glacier Hazard Monitoring Updates
The SLRD is working with Natural Resources Canada and the University of Northern British Columbia to install hazard monitoring equipment at Place Glacier. These devices will provide emergency management partners with ongoing information about conditions at the glacier and help track the growth of the ice-marginal lake over the coming weeks. With support from subject matter experts, this equipment will be used to inform emergency measures that may be required to protect public safety. The SLRD will continue to share updates about Place Glacier throughout the coming weeks as the situation develops.

Evacuation Alerts and Orders
Based on data gathered from the Place Glacier hazard monitoring equipment and consultation with subject matter experts, the SLRD will use the following thresholds to guide emergency  response activities:

• An Evacuation Alert may be issued if the glacial lake reaches approximately 24 metres in depth. 
• An Evacuation Order may be issued if the glacial lake reaches approximately 30 metres in depth. 
• These thresholds are intended to provide time for residents to prepare and respond before an outburst event occurs.

Regardless of whether an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order is in place, residents are reminded that water channels, streambanks, and low-lying areas in the area may present hazards before and after an outburst event and are encouraged to exercise caution.

Community Preparedness
A free 24/7 self-serve sandbagging station is now available for residents of the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities at Gates Lake Community Park on Pemberton Portage Road.
Sand and empty sandbags are available on site. The station will remain stocked throughout June and replenished as required.  

• “Tips for safety near floodwaters, preparing effective sandbags” release on the Province of BC website.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they are signed up to receive emergency notifications and updates at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

Provincial Coordination and Advocacy
The Place Glacier outburst flood hazard originates on provincially managed land; while the SLRD can undertake emergency response actions when there is an imminent risk to public safety, responsibility for long-term hazard management rests with the Province of British Columbia.

In 2026 the Province approved funding for embankment repairs and emergency preparedness measures but did not endorse the proposed long-term mitigation options put forward by Stantec. The Province also committed to contribute to the continued evaluation and monitoring of the hazard.

In May 2026, the Province introduced updates to the Emergency and Disaster Management Regulation that narrowed the scope of emergency management planning and risk assessment activities undertaken by regional districts on provincially managed land. The changes provide additional clarity regarding the Province's role in managing hazards on provincially managed land, including flood and landslide hazards such as Place Glacier. For more information about this see this news release on the Union of BC Municipalities’ website.

The SLRD recognizes that annual emergency response measures are not a long-term solution for the community or the Province. The SLRD will continue to work with all partners on emergency preparedness measures while advocating for a long-term approach to addressing the Place Glacier outburst flood hazard.

This is Community Update #13 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

The SLRD is encouraging residents of the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding and debris hazards during the 2026 freshet and outburst period.

To support community preparedness efforts, the SLRD has set up a free 24/7 self-serve sandbagging station beginning at noon on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Gates Lake Community Park on Pemberton Portage Road.

Image

The station will provide sand and empty sandbags. Community members are asked to bring scissors to cut the bag bundles and a shovel fill the bags. Appropriate protective equipment, including sturdy boots, gloves, and eye protection are recommended. Filling sandbags is easier with a partner and residents are encouraged to fill only the number of bags reasonably required to help protect their property.

Image

Sandbags can help redirect shallow flowing water away from buildings and vulnerable areas when installed properly. Prepare sandbags early instead of waiting until flooding is actively occurring. For information about how to build an effective sandbag dike watch the video below and visit the “Tips for safety near floodwaters, preparing effective sandbags” release on the Province of BC website.

The station is expected to remain in place, stocked as required, throughout June and may be extended depending on conditions and community need.

The SLRD continues to work with the Province of British Columbia, Lil’wat Nation, N’Quatqua, and technical experts to support ongoing emergency preparedness, hazard monitoring, and mitigation efforts related to the Place Glacier hazard.

Upcoming Place Glacier Townhall
A reminder - the SLRD will host a hybrid in-person and virtual Townhall on Tuesday, June 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to provide an update on upcoming emergency berm repair work. For more information see the full notice on the SLRD website.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they are signed up to receive emergency notifications and updates:
SLRD Alert  Area C email updates

Stay safe

• Avoid hazard zones – stay clear of steep gullies, alluvial fans, and historical/modelled debris flow paths. 
• Stay alert during intense rainfall – debris flows often occur during or shortly after heavy storms. 
• Listen to warnings – pay attention to local alerts from the SLRD, sirens, or weather bulletins.
• Do not camp or spend time in areas of identified debris flow hazard. Mapping provided in the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report will support identification of hazardous areas related to this hazard. 
• Watch for natural warning signs – sudden rumbling, snapping trees, or increased sediment-laden water flow can signal an incoming debris flow. Move to high ground immediately and know your evacuation plan.

Protect your home and property

• Store valuables and important documents in waterproof containers or on upper floors.
• Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris.
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home.
• Apply sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors where needed.
• Review your insurance coverage, including flood and sewer backup options.
• Ensure drainage around your property directs water away from foundations.
• For agricultural properties, have a plan in place for equipment and livestock if evacuation is required.
• Keep access routes clear – don’t block driveways or roads that emergency services might need.
• Create defensible space around properties – remove loose wood, debris, and objects that could be carried by flows.
• Educate your family and neighbors – ensure everyone knows the hazards and what to do in an emergency.

Prepare for an emergency

• Prepare Emergency Plans for your home, office and other locations.
• Build your household emergency kit and grab-and-go bag.
• Have an evacuation plan – know the fastest route to higher ground and practice it.
• Create a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS) in advance.

Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard Hybrid Townhall – Tuesday, June 2

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) will host a hybrid in-person and virtual Townhall to share the latest updates regarding the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard affecting the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

The Townhall will include information about the emergency berm repair work, emergency response measures, advocacy efforts with the Province of British Columbia, and ongoing coordination with First Nations and partners ahead of the anticipated 2026 potential outburst flood hazard period.

Date: Tuesday, June 2
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid – attend in-person or virtually

• In-Person: 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC, V0N 2L1
  • Please arrive ten minutes before the meeting starts so we can begin promptly

• Online via Microsoft Teams

  Join the meeting      Tips for attending a Virtual Teams Meeting

  • Meeting ID: 231 209 742 745 320
  • Passcode: Pg7xJ9iE
  • Dial in by phone  +1 437-703-1516
  • Phone conference ID: 128952630# 

Staff from the SLRD Protective & Emergency Services team and a technical experts from Stantec will provide updates, walk through the planned work and monitoring efforts, and respond to community questions. A representative from the Province of BC Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and other subject matter experts will also be present along with SLRD Board Chair Jen Ford and Electoral Area C Director Russell Mack.

All interested residents are welcome to attend in person or via the virtual meeting link. No registration is required. A recording of the Townhall will be made available on the SLRD YouTube channel following the event.

Subscribe to email updates about the Place Glacier Debris Flood Hazard

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert system to receive notifications by email, text message, or phone call: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution in the area:

• Avoid hazard zones – stay clear of steep gullies, alluvial fans, and historical/modelled debris flow paths. Geotechnical investigation may be warranted for future developments on the properties to ensure they are safe for the use intended.
• Stay alert during intense rainfall – debris flows often occur during or shortly after heavy storms. While the most frequent threat of landslide hazard in the area was determined to be from glacial outbursts, debris flows can occur during periods of sustained rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
• Have an evacuation plan – know the fastest route to higher ground and practice it.
• Listen to warnings – pay attention to local alerts from the SLRD, sirens, or weather bulletins.
• Do not camp in areas of identified debris flow hazard – avoid setting up tents in dry creek beds, ravines, or fan toes. Mapping provided in this report will support identification of hazardous areas on your property.
• Watch for natural warning signs – sudden rumbling, snapping trees, or increased sediment-laden water flow can signal an incoming debris flow. Know your evacuation plan.
• Move to higher ground immediately if you suspect a debris flow is coming — don’t wait for confirmation.
• Keep access routes clear – don’t block driveways or roads that emergency services might need.
• Create defensible space around properties – remove loose wood, debris, and objects that could be carried by flows.
• Educate your family and neighbors – ensure everyone knows the hazards and what to do in an emergency.

Thanks to all community members for their patience.

This is Community Update #11 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

The SLRD has received confirmation from the Province of British Columbia that funding has been approved through Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) to undertake repairs to the Place Creek embankment that was constructed following the July 2024 Place Glacier outburst and then subsequently damaged in the June 2025 outburst. Further assessment of the water channel upstream of Poole Creek Road will also be undertaken.

The purpose of this work is to stabilize the embankment and reduce the likelihood that Place Creek could again divert eastward into Gates Lake during future floods. EMCR has also confirmed its commitment to continued evaluation of the hazard and response options in collaboration with the SLRD and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) for the duration of the risk, which experts estimate could recur annually for at least eight years in the future.

In the coming weeks, SLRD contractors will assess and repair sections of the emergency berm that were damaged during the June 2025 Place Glacier outburst event. Crews will use locally sourced rock and debris flood material to rebuild and stabilize erosion areas and help maintain water flow toward Poole Creek during high flow conditions, reducing the likelihood of water moving toward the Gates Lake area. This work is considered an interim risk reduction measure and is not considered a long-term mitigation of hazards posed by Place Glacier.

A State of Local Emergency (SOLE) [PDF/425KB]will be issued by the SLRD on May 8, 2026 to support this embankment repair work. The SOLE does not indicate a change in current hazard conditions but is an administrative tool that allows emergency response activities and protective works to be completed in an expedited manner, before the outburst hazard risk increases as the glacial lake warms and refills in summer 2026. There are no evacuation alerts or orders in place at this time and those would only be issued when they are required to protect public safety.

This emergency berm repair work has been endorsed by Líl'wat Nation, and N’Quatqua. Construction is expected to occur between late May and early June 2026. Residents can expect to see engineering consultants conducting initial site assessments as early as May 8, 2026. In order to complete these assessments, they may access portions of Place Creek and Poole Creek that flow through residential properties.

The SLRD continues to work with the Province,Líl'wat Nation, N’Quatqua, and technical experts to take necessary emergency measures to address this ongoing hazard.

The SLRD recognizes the need for a proactive approach to long-term management and has requested that the Province approve mitigation measures such as those proposed in the Place Glacier Conceptual Design Options Summary. To date, the Province has declined to endorse mitigation measures at the glacier itself and has instead limited its approval to embankment repairs near the valley bottom. The SLRD continues to advocate for support from the Province to fund and implement a long-term mitigation solution. The hazard originates on provincially managed land and long-term risk management and mitigation decisions fall within Provincial jurisdiction.

Looking ahead to the 2026 hazard period, Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders may be required during periods of elevated risk in the coming summer months, depending on changing glacier and weather conditions. The SLRD remains committed to keeping the community informed and will share additional updates as work progresses and conditions evolve. Details for an upcoming community town hall will be shared once confirmed.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they are signed up to receive emergency notifications and email updates for Area C:

• SLRD Alert: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert
• Area C email updates

As we approach the 2026 freshet and potential outburst period, residents are encouraged to stay safe, take simple steps to reduce the risk of flood damage and ensure they are prepared.

Stay safe

• Avoid hazard zones – stay clear of steep gullies, alluvial fans, and historical/modelled debris flow paths. 
• Stay alert during intense rainfall – debris flows often occur during or shortly after heavy storms.
• Listen to warnings – pay attention to local alerts from the SLRD, sirens, or weather bulletins.
• Do not camp or spend time in areas of identified debris flow hazard. Mapping provided in the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report will support identification of hazardous areas related to this hazard. 
• Watch for natural warning signs – sudden rumbling, snapping trees, or increased sediment-laden water flow can signal an incoming debris flow. Move to high ground immediately and know your evacuation plan.

Protect your home and property:

• Store valuables and important documents in waterproof containers or on upper floors
• Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home
• Apply sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors where needed
• Review your insurance coverage, including flood and sewer backup options
• Ensure drainage around your property directs water away from foundations
• For agricultural properties, have a plan in place for equipment and livestock if evacuation is required
• Keep access routes clear – don’t block driveways or roads that emergency services might need.
• Create defensible space around properties – remove loose wood, debris, and objects that could be carried by flows.
• Educate your family and neighbors – ensure everyone knows the hazards and what to do in an emergency.

Prepare for an emergency:

• Prepare Emergency Plans for your home, office and other locations
• Build your household emergency kit and grab-and-go bag
• Have an evacuation plan – know the fastest route to higher ground and practice it.
• Create a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS) in advance

Declaration of SOLE - Place Glacier Outbust Hazard 7 May 26 [PDF/425KB]

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has received a report that details potential measures to address the Place Glacier hazard near Gates Lake and Poole Creek in Electoral Area C of the SLRD.

This Conceptual Design Options Summary describes works that can be undertaken to reduce Place Glacier’s outburst flood risk and provides a scientific framework to support emergency management decision-making. It builds upon the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report that was released in the fall of 2025.

Both reports are linked below:

Place Glacier Conceptual Design Options Summary

Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report

These reports have been shared with the appropriate Provincial ministries, along with a request from the SLRD Board for Provincial leadership and funding to address Place Glacier hazards.

Background:

In 2024 and 2025, an ice-marginal lake on Place Glacier experienced a rapid outburst of water causing debris floods through residential properties near Poole Creek and Gates Lake in Electoral Area C of the SLRD.

In 2024, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) provided emergency response funds to restore water channels to their normal alignment and drain flood waters. During the 2025 outburst, these water channels were re-damaged and are vulnerable to future glacial outburst and precipitation-driven flood events.

In both 2024 and 2025, properties were placed on Evacuation Alert due to increased potential for precipitation-driven flooding to impact residential structures as a result of these damaged water channels.

In 2025, EMCR funded the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report to better understand the hazard’s long-term public safety risks. This study found that ice-marginal lake outbursts from Place Glacier are likely to re-occur on an annual basis until the glacier recedes, thus posing a persistent hazard to residential structures in the valley bottom.

The magnitude of these annual outbursts may be equivalent to or greater than 1 in a 200-year return period flood. Without intervention they will continue to pose an ongoing risk to public safety, especially when outburst flooding is followed by heavy precipitation.

EMCR also funded the Conceptual Design Options Summary that includes proposals to reduce disaster risk associated with Place Glacier hazards. In this summary, experts outline five potential options to protect public safety. These options range from installing a siphon, installing pumps, drilling a conduit through bedrock, constructing a dam, or using explosives to fracture open a conduit through the glacier. Each option was evaluated for its feasibility, cost, construction considerations, operation and maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.

All options described in the Conceptual Design Options Summary include repairing and maintaining the water channels below Place Glacier, similar to the work completed in late summer 2024.
Implementation of any option would require Provincial funding approval, as well as completion of all necessary regulatory requirements and consultations.
 

Next Steps:
The path forward with respect to Place Glacier will be determined in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, which has jurisdiction over the glacier and its downstream water channels as Provincially managed land. 

While the Report presents options and recommendations, the Province will determine next steps and may also consider additional approaches beyond those outlined in the report. The SLRD’s role is to advocate for community members and the environment, and to undertake emergency works that are approved and funded by the Province.

The SLRD recognizes that the ongoing Place Glacier hazard is of significant concern to downstream communities, and we share that concern. The SLRD Board of Directors has submitted a letter (link to letter) to the Province requesting leadership and timely action to protect public safety. This follows a June 2025 letter to the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, requesting immediate action in response to the outburst flood hazard at Place Glacier.

The SLRD also issued a News Release on this matter on March 9, 2026.

As we await further direction, we remain committed to keeping the community informed about ongoing discussions and related decisions.

Once a path forward has been confirmed, the SLRD will host a hybrid (virtual and in-person) town hall to provide an update and answer questions from the community.

We would like to thank the community for its patience and ongoing support.  We also encourage all residents to prepare for emergencies and to use caution in areas that may be at risk.

Be Prepared

• Sign up for the SLRD Alert – our emergency alert notification system
• Sign up to receive Place Glacier and Electoral Area C updates by email
• Prepare Emergency Plans for your home, office and other locations
• Build your household emergency kit and grab-and-go bag

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution in the area of Place Glacier, Place Creek, Poole Creek, and Gates Lake:

• Avoid hazard zones – stay clear of steep gullies, alluvial fans, and historical/modelled debris flow paths. 
• Stay alert during intense rainfall – debris flows often occur during or shortly after heavy storms. While the most frequent threat of landslide hazard in the area was determined to be from glacial outbursts, debris flows can occur during periods of sustained rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
• Have an evacuation plan – know the fastest route to higher ground and practice it.
• Listen to warnings – pay attention to local alerts from the SLRD, sirens, or weather bulletins.
• Do not camp in areas of identified debris flow hazard – avoid setting up tents in dry creek beds, ravines, or fan toes. Mapping provided in the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report will support identification of hazardous areas on your property.
• Watch for natural warning signs – sudden rumbling, snapping trees, or increased sediment-laden water flow can signal an incoming debris flow. Know your evacuation plan.
• Move to higher ground immediately if you suspect a debris flow is coming — don’t wait for confirmation.
• Keep access routes clear – don’t block driveways or roads that emergency services might need.
• Create defensible space around properties – remove loose wood, debris, and objects that could be carried by flows.
• Educate your family and neighbors – ensure everyone knows the hazards and what to do in an emergency.

This is the latest update for the Place Glacier Outburst Hazard (including debris floods and debris flows), which is located in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek areas of Electoral Area C in the SLRD.

In response to the Place Glacier Outburst event that occurred in June 2025, the SLRD engaged geohazard and hydrotechnical specialists from Stantec Consulting Ltd. to conduct on-site investigations of the impacted area and inspect the emergency flood protection works that were constructed following the previous outburst event in July 2024.

The Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report, a comprehensive technical report summarizing the impacts of the June 2025 Place Glacier outburst event, is now available and can also be found on the Local Hazards page on the SLRD website. 

The SLRD hosted a virtual Townhall event on Wednesday, November 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Staff from the SLRD Protective Services team and technical experts from Stantec presented findings and answered questions. A recording of the townhall can be viewed on the SLRD's YouTube channel. 

Key findings from the Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report:

• Based on hydraulic modelling of the 2025 Outburst Event, private lands between Gramsons and Birken that are adjacent to Poole Creek are exposed to flood hazards; however, higher-level hazard areas are mostly contained within the creek banks.
• During flood events, the areas immediately upstream of the culvert crossing at Poole Creek Road are exposed to higher hazard levels that pose unsafe conditions for people vehicles, and structures. The broader floodplain is generally safe for people, vehicles and structures.
• Hydraulic modelling demonstrates that the Glacier Outburst Event experienced in June 2025 was equivalent in magnitude to a 1 in 200-year return period rainfall-driven flood event. Outburst Events propagating from Place Glacier are anticipated to occur on an annual basis until the glacier recedes far enough to eliminate the depression where the ice-marginal lake forms.
• As a result of the June 2025 Outburst Event, the emergency embankment and riprap that was emplaced in response to the July 2024 Outburst Event was damaged. Repairing the 2024 emergency works would provide temporary mitigation from a future outburst of similar magnitude, but it is unknown if this would protect against a larger event.
• As glacial lake outburst events are expected to re-occur on an annual basis, it is recommended that a more robust, longer-term mitigation option be considered. If a longer-term option cannot be implemented prior to the anticipated 2026 glacial lake outburst (historically occurring between June and July) it is recommended that the emergency works be re-established no later than May 2026.

In response to this report, the SLRD has contracted Stantec to undertake a broader public safety study of Place Glacier hazards. Whereas the report shared today was focused on the impacts of the June 2025 outburst event, this new study will inform emergency preparedness measures for the next expected hazard period in Spring, 2026 and into the long-term future. It will also propose long-term mitigation options for consideration. This study will be completed in January 2026, which provides enough time to consider the options presented before the next expected hazard period.

The Place Glacier Hazard Assessment Report has been shared with the provincial Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR). The SLRD will continue to work closely with EMCR to determine appropriate next steps for this emergency response.

In June 2025, the SLRD sent a letter to the Ministers of EMCR and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) calling for provincial action and support in the assessment and management of this ongoing hazard, given that it exists on provincially-managed land. The SLRD will continue to advocate for long-term coordination and leadership from the Province to address Place Glacier flood and landslide hazards.

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre will remain active at Level 1 while the SLRD continues to coordinate emergency response for this incident. Community updates will be shared as needed.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution in the area:

• Avoid hazard zones – stay clear of steep gullies, alluvial fans, and historical/modelled debris flow paths. Geotechnical investigation may be warranted for future developments on the properties to ensure they are safe for the use intended.
• Stay alert during intense rainfall – debris flows often occur during or shortly after heavy storms. While the most frequent threat of landslide hazard in the area was determined to be from glacial outbursts, debris flows can occur during periods of sustained rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
• Have an evacuation plan – know the fastest route to higher ground and practice it.
• Listen to warnings – pay attention to local alerts from the SLRD, sirens, or weather bulletins.
• Do not camp in areas of identified debris flow hazard – avoid setting up tents in dry creek beds, ravines, or fan toes. Mapping provided in this report will support identification of hazardous areas on your property.
• Watch for natural warning signs – sudden rumbling, snapping trees, or increased sediment-laden water flow can signal an incoming debris flow. Know your evacuation plan.
• Move to higher ground immediately if you suspect a debris flow is coming — don’t wait for confirmation.
• Keep access routes clear – don’t block driveways or roads that emergency services might need.
• Create defensible space around properties – remove loose wood, debris, and objects that could be carried by flows.
• Educate your family and neighbors – ensure everyone knows the hazards and what to do in an emergency.

We wish to thank community members for their patience.

Subscribe to email updates about the Place Glacier Debris Flood and Flow Hazard.

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

This is the latest update from the Emergency Operations Centre, regarding the outburst flood hazard affecting the Gates Lake and Poole Creek areas of Electoral Area C in the SLRD.

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, the Evacuation Alert previously in place (issued June 19) for several properties in these areas has been RESCINDED.

An aerial investigation of the Place Creek watershed and Place Glacier was completed July 4, followed by a ground investigation of Place Creek and Poole Creek on July 8. Preliminary reports from subject matter experts indicate that there is low risk of another outburst flood impacting properties at valley bottom in the short term.

Though there is damage to the emergency berms that were created following the July 2024 outburst event, the subglacial lake that experienced an outburst flood on June 18, 2025 has now completely drained and further meltwater is unlikely to re-fill the lake in 2025. As such, the SLRD has rescinded the evacuation alert that was previously in place for this event. The SLRD will receive a summary report that details this hazard risk assessment in the coming weeks, and that report will be posted to the SLRD website.

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre will remain active at Level 1 while we continue to work with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and also subject matter experts, to fully understand the short and long-term implications of hazards associated with the Place Glacier.

Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas.

We wish to thank community members for their patience while the aerial and ground investigations were conducted, and throughout this emergency operations centre activation.

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

This is the latest update on the Evacuation Alert in effect for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area of Electoral Area C. The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active at Level 1 and the Evacuation Alert issued on June 19 remains in effect.

An aerial assessment to assess the impacts from the June 18, 2025 debris flood event and the existing landslide and flood hazard risk, along with determining the work that may be required to restore previous hazard risk levels took place, as scheduled, on Friday, July 4. This will be followed by additional ground assessment on Tuesday, July 8.

The SLRD anticipates that a summary report will be received in the coming weeks. That report and any related information will be shared on the SLRD’s website.

Reminder: Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas. 

If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at: 604-384-7357.
Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

This is the latest update (July 2, 2025 at 3 p.m.) on the Evacuation Alert in effect for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area of Electoral Area C (list of affected properties is here: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc

New: An aerial assessment of the area is scheduled for Friday, July 4. Residents can expect to see crews on the ground, and helicopter activity in the air. The goal of this assessment is to:

• Assess impacts from the June 18, 2025 debris flood event;
• Assess the existing landslide and flood hazard risks; and
• Determine what work might be required to restore hazard risk levels to what they were prior to the June 18, 2025 debris flood event.

The SLRD anticipates that a summary report following the work on Friday will be received in the coming weeks. That report and any related information will be shared on the SLRD’s website.

Reminder: Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas.

If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at: 604-384-7357. Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

While on Evacuation Alert, please take the time to prepare:

• Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place for all members of your household, including pets
• Build an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag
• Ensure you have supplies and necessary medications

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active at Level 1 and the Evacuation Alert issued on June 19 remains in effect.

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Update: 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025.
This is the latest update on the Evacuation Alert in effect for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area of Electoral Area C. The full list of affected properties is here: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc 

As of 11 a.m. PT on June 27, the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active at Level 1 and the Evacuation Alert issued on June 19 remains in effect. While the initial flooding appears to have receded, there is ongoing assessment work that continues in the area to ensure that the immediate hazard risk has subsided.

Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas. 

Heading into the weekend, you can expect increased traffic in the area. The SLRD reminds residents and visitors to the area that while there are no access restrictions affecting the area, there is an active Evacuation Alert in place. If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at: 604-384-7357. Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc.

To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

While on Evacuation Alert, please take the time to prepare:

• Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place for all members of your household, including pets
• Build an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag
• Ensure you have supplies and necessary medications

The EOC is on standby over the upcoming weekend. This will be the last update before next week, unless the situation changes. 

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Update: 12 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2025
The EOC in relation to the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard in Electoral Area C remains active at Level 1, and the Evacuation Alert for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek areas remains in place.

Over the weekend, localized flooding continued to recede, and no new flooding was reported.
Environment Canada’s weather forecast for Pemberton is calling for rain from today through Thursday.

The SLRD continues to work with provincial partners to conduct a fulsome risk assessment in the coming days. Residents can expect to see helicopter activity and personnel on the ground as this work takes place.

Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area, including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas.

If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at 604-384-7357.
Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc. To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert.

While on Evacuation Alert, please take the time to prepare:

• Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place for all members of your household, including pets
• Build an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag
• Ensure you have supplies and necessary medications

Updates will be shared as information becomes available.
 

This is the latest update on the Evacuation Alert in effect for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area of Electoral Area C (list of affected properties is here: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc )
As of 4:30 p.m. PT on June 20, the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active at Level 1, and will be on standby for the weekend with no further updates expected until Monday, June 23, unless the situation changes.

The subglacial lake at the toe of Place Glacier has drained, and valley flooding has continues to recede. Out of an abundance of caution, and due to inclement weather, including potential rainfall in the coming days, the evacuation alert will remain in effect over the weekend.

The SLRD is continuing to monitor the situation and will re-assess on Monday. An update will be provided at that time. Members of the public are advised to continue to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas.

If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at: 604-384-7357. Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc
To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert

While on Evacuation Alert, please take the time to prepare:

Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place for all members of your household, including pets

Build an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag

Ensure you have supplies and necessary medications

This is the latest update on the Evacuation Alert in effect for some properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area of Electoral Area C (list of affected properties is here: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc)  
As of noon PT on June 20, the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active at Level 1. The Evacuation Alert issued on June 19 remains in effect.

Indications this morning are that the subglacial lake at the toe of Place Glacier has drained, and some valley flooding has receded. 

Additional assessments are taking place on the ground today and we are awaiting further updates from several ministries including the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) regarding the condition of area culverts. We are monitoring the situation and will update with important information, as we receive it. 

Residents and the public are advised to use caution in the area including the backcountry, and to avoid streambanks and water channels. There is potential for increased sediment and stream bank instability in these areas. 

If you witness additional signs of flooding to properties, please contact the SLRD at: 604-384-7357.
Stay up to date on the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard: www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc
To ensure you receive evacuation alerts and orders, sign up for the free SLRD Alert and receive notifications by email, text or phone: www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Level 1 in response to an outburst flood hazard from Place Glacier, located above Gates Lake in Electoral Area C. The SLRD has issued an Evacuation Alert due to the risk of overland flooding and debris flood and potential impacts to the Poole Creek/ Gates Lake area in Electoral Area C.

On Thursday, June 19, a sudden high volume of water flowed from the subglacial lake on Place Glacier into the valley bottom. Because of the potential danger to life and health, the SLRD issued an Evacuation Alert for several properties, as outlined in the Evacuation Alert document.

With support from the Province, the SLRD coordinated an aerial review to assess the state of the glacial lake outburst and downflow into Place Creek. Technical experts have received data from the site that indicates the peak flood flow has passed.  

Background

In July 2024, a subglacial lake outburst at Place Glacier triggered a debris flood that caused flooding around Gates Lake and led to an emergency creek realignment. This included construction of a deflection berm to redirect Place Creek flow back into Poole Creek. That mitigation work remains intact and is functioning as designed. Since then, the subglacial lake at the toe of Place Glacier has reformed and is emptying again. The current flooding is a result of redirected water flow and localized conditions, not a berm failure.

The deflection berm installed to re-align water flow into Poole Creek during last year’s mitigation work is being held. The area experiencing flooding is different from last year, and the SLRD has checked culverts and other infrastructure to assess conditions. The SLRD is in touch with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT). The SLRD is monitoring conditions closely and will share further updates as we learn more about potential ecological impacts.

Residents in the Poole Creek and Gates Lake areas are asked to:

• Report changes in water levels, turbidity, erosion, or other concerns: 604-384-7357.
• Use caution near creeks and drainage channels, which may be unstable or contain debris.
• Avoid hiking in the backcountry, near Place Creek and below or around Place Glacier
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders are shared through the SLRD Alert – our emergency notification system. Sign up for SLRD Emergency Alerts (by text, phone, or email): www.slrd.bc.ca/alert.  
• Visit www.slrd.bc.ca/eoc for the most recent updates about this event.
• Subscribe to Electoral Area C email updates.  

On the morning of Monday July 22, 2024, community members in Birken, Electoral Area C, reported sudden flooding of private properties along Poole Creek. The SLRD activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and coordinated an assessment by subject matter experts. 

This assessment found that Place Glacier had suffered a sudden collapse of its structure, which caused the rapid draining of a lake within the glacier into the Place Creek water channel. This glacial outburst entrained woody debris and sediment as the water travelled downslope, manifesting as a debris flood before reaching valley bottom.  A debris flood is a steep creek hazard that has overlapping characteristics of both floods and landslides. The force of this debris flood re-channelled the majority flow of water from Place Creek toward Gates Lake rather than its normal course into Poole Creek and the Birkenhead River.

This caused a number of impacts, including high water levels and potential flooding of properties around Gates Lake, issues for community members drawing drinking water from Poole Creek, and harm to salmon habitat in Poole Creek and the Birkenhead River. On July 28, 2024 the SLRD issued an Evacuation Alert for 8 properties in the affected area, noting that an upcoming rain event was forecast to exacerbate flood risk.

Around this time, the SLRD EOC received funding from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) to undertake works meant to restore the flow of Place Creek back into its normal alignment. On August 1st, the SLRD declared a State of Local Emergency to expedite the provincial permitting required for this work.

The Poole Creek channel realignment was successfully completed on September 13, 2024. After observing a reduction in water levels, the SLRD EOC lifted its Evacuation Alert on September 19, 2024. The SLRD posted the completion report related to the channel re-alignment on its website and also noted that the ongoing hazard risk related to a new outburst flood event remains as it was prior to the July 22 event.

On May 7, 2025 scientists from the University of Northern British Columbia and Natural Resources Canada advised the SLRD, EMCR, and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) that a lake had once again formed in Place Glacier and it was again at risk of outburst, similar to what occurred in July 2024. After pursuing resolution at the staff level, the SLRD wrote a letter on June 6, 2025 to the Ministers of EMCR and WLRS requesting that the Province of BC take necessary measures to notify the public and address this hazard in accordance with:

• Section 25 (1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,
• Section 4 of the Land Act, which establishes WLRS as the Land Manager for Place Glacier and the provincially managed land that is downstream, and
• Section 44 of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act and Sections 9 and 10 of the Emergency and Disaster Management Regulation that assigns WLRS the role of Lead Ministry for emergency management and risk assessments for flood and landslide hazards.

Overnight on June 18, 2025, Place Glacier once again experienced a glacial lake outburst. During that outburst, the bank armoring and re-channeling work that was completed in response to the July 2024 event successfully prevented water from flowing into Gates Lake. This outburst did cause inundation of private land outside of river banks but the overall flow remained in its natural direction following Poole Creek and toward the Birkenhead River.

On June 19, 2025, out of an abundance of caution, the SLRD activated its EOC and put x15 properties on evacuation alert. The water levels have since receded, but these properties will remain on evacuation alert until we can complete a fulsome flood and landslide risk assessment, which we’re working to schedule for next week.

With emergency response funding from EMCR, subject matter experts determined that the glacial lake had fully drained and that the immediate risk had passed. On July 11, 2025 the SLRD lifted the evacuation alert for all properties.