Evacuation ALERT RESCINDED for Electoral Area C - Pemberton Valley

This is the third community update regarding the Pemberton Valley atmospheric river event.

The Evacuation Alert that was issued on December 14 has been rescinded. 

While the immediate public safety risk has passed, there is ongoing potential for nuisance flooding and further impacts from this weather event.

Additionally, it will take some time to drain the standing water. There is still a significant amount of water flowing into the drainage paths at Arn Canal and other ditches, which will take several days to drain.

The SLRD’s Emergency Operations Centre remains activated and continues to monitor the situation to prepare for further response action, should the situation change.

The SLRD would like to thank our partners at Lil’wat Nation, the Village of Pemberton and the Pemberton Valley Dyking District for their collaboration on this coordinated response.

Thank you to the community for your patience and support. Please remember that weather events are unpredictable and emergencies can happen at any time. 

In an emergency, preparedness is key:

• Create an Emergency Plan for your all members of your household (including pets)
• Ensure your Emergency Kit is stocked and supplies are updated
• Create a Grab and Go Bag for all members of your household
• Sign up for the SLRD Alert – our emergency notification system, to receive notifications by text, phone and/ or email: www.slrd.bc.ca/alert.

This is the final update regarding this event, unless the situation changes.

This is the second community update regarding the Pemberton Valley atmospheric river event.

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

The SLRD 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. This Evacuation Alert remains in place.

As of Monday afternoon, the Pemberton Valley Dyking District is reporting that while there was significant rainfall overnight December 14/15, river levels are trending down as of Monday afternoon. The Pemberton Valley Dyking District will continue to monitor river levels overnight.

Weather Warning

NEW: Rainfall warnings previously issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada were lifted on December 15.

Flood Watch

The Flood watch issued December 14 for the tributaries of the Lower Fraser including the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton remains in place. 

• 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.

Highway Impacts

NEW: Highway 99 re-opened as of 12:30 p.m. on December 15 between Main Street and Seton Lake Road for 90.2 kilometres (one kilometre north of Pemberton to Lillooet). Please remember that conditions can change rapidly and closures may result at any time.

NEW: Road 40 is closed until further notice between Tyaughton Lake Road and Yalakom Road due to heavy rockfall. No detour is currently available. Assessment is underway. 

Trail Safety

NEW: The Village of Pemberton announced that due to ongoing heavy rainfall and rising water levels, the One Mile Lake Park boardwalk and trails around the lake are temporarily closed for public safety.

NEW: The Valley Loop and Riverside Trail along Airport Road are closed until further notice.

We do not anticipate issuing another update today, unless the situation evolves and new information becomes available.

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 be ready in case emergency response is necessary. 

The SLRD has issued an Evacuation Alert for one property as detailed above. 

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.

Key information and updates

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.

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.

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.