Community Update 17: Place Glacier 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.

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

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION

• 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 dependents 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.

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.