Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard Community Update #11 - May 7, 2026

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 neighbours – 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