Community Update 9: Place Glacier Hazard Community Town Hall Nov. 5

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 on the Place Glacier emergency response and recovery project page and the Local Hazards page on the SLRD website. 

The SLRD will host 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 will be in attendance to present findings and answer questions. View the recorded townhall meeting 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.