Community Update #1 - December 2025 Atmospheric River – Pemberton Valley

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is collaborating with our partners at Lil’wat Nation, the Village of Pemberton and the Pemberton Valley Dyking District to prepare for potential response to current weather scenarios affecting the Pemberton Valley.

As of Sunday, December 14, our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is activated to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary. 

The SLRD has issued an Evacuation Alert for one property - see the alert on the SRLD's Emergency Alerts and Orders page. 

Weather-related emergencies can be unpredictable and can change quickly and we are working collaboratively to ensure the community is informed and ready.

At this time, we ask that community members take the steps to prepare for a potential emergency.

• Create an Emergency Plan for your all members of your household (including pets)
• Make sure your Emergency Kit is stocked and supplies are updated
• Create a Grab and Go Bag for all members of your household

The SLRD will provide further updates on our website and social media as this situation evolves and as information changes.

Weather Warning

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a YELLOW warning for rainfall affecting many parts of the SLRD, from Howe Sound through to the Pemberton Valley and surrounding areas. Rainfall amounts of up to 70 millimetres are forecast for Sunday December 14 – Monday, December 15 with the most significant rainfall expected overnight between the hours of 1 and 4 a.m. and freezing levels reaching 2500 metres near midday Monday. 

• Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas.
• Nuisance flooding may occur at low-lying properties.
• Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.
• Don't drive through flooded roadways. Allow extra time for travel. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

Flood Watch

The BC River Forecast Centre is upgrading to a Flood Watch for the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton in Area C. They are also issuing or maintaining a High Streamflow Advisory for the South Coast including Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky. 

• A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
• A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

Travel Advisory

A travel advisory is in place for Highway 99, in both directions, between Main Street and Seton Lake Road for 90.2 kilometres (one kilometre north of Pemberton to Lillooet). Heavy rain is forecasted overnight. DriveBC is advising that closures may result due to increase risk of debris flows/ flooding and washouts.

Stay informed

During an emergency, the SLRD issues Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders as necessary. This information is shared through multiple channels:

• SLRD website: www.slrd.bc.ca
• SLRD Alert emergency notification system: Sign-up to receive notifications by text, phone and/ or email: www.slrd.bc.ca/alert
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSLRD/ 
  • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/slrd_bc