Community Update #3 - December 2025 Atmospheric River – 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The Evacuation Alert that was issued on December 14 has been rescinded.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.

Weather Warning

At the time of publishing this update, there are no weather alerts for the Pemberton area. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a YELLOW warning for rainfall affecting Howe Sound. While no warning is currently in place for Pemberton, periods of rain are expected throughout Tuesday, December 16. 

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

• 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.

Highway Impacts

Road 40 remains 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

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.

The Valley Loop and Riverside Trail along Airport Road are closed until further notice.
Some sections of the Friendship Trail are under water. Please use caution on this trail, in particular between the Pemberton Valley Lodge and the Lillooet River Bridge, where there are short sections of pooling water that may be impassable.

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