Community Update 15: Place Glacier Hazard

This is Community Update #15 for the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard located near the Gates Lake and Poole Creek communities in Electoral Area C.

Current Situation
The Evacuation Alert issued on June 7, 2026 remains in effect for properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area due to the risk of overland flooding and debris flooding associated with a potential glacial lake outburst.

Data collected through the Place Glacier hazard monitoring system that was installed on June 3 indicates the glacial lake has reached approximately the same volume observed prior to the 2025 outburst event.

The SLRD continues to receive timely information from monitoring equipment installed at the glacier’s ice-marginal lake and is reviewing this information regularly with technical experts. This information is being used to support emergency management decisions and provide residents with as much time as possible in the event of an Evacuation Order. Community members are encouraged to review their emergency plans, prepare grab-and-go bags, and monitor official SLRD communications for updates. Visit PreparedBC for guides and other resources. 

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Place Glacier monitoring camera showing current lake conditions at 2 p.m. on June 8, 2026.

Emergency Embankment Repairs
Under the direction of Stantec, construction crews have been working daily since June 1 to repair sections of the embankment and water channel damaged during the June 2025 outburst event. Progress is steady and the work remains on track for completion on or before June 13. Multiple crews and construction equipment are actively engaged on site to support efficient progress of the repair work.

The purpose of this work is to help keep water flowing toward Poole Creek during periods of high flow and reduce the chance of water diverting toward Gates Lake. While construction is ongoing, the embankment is already in a substantially improved condition and is better able to withstand elevated flow conditions than it was prior to construction.

Crews on site continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and are actively monitoring flow conditions. Precautionary measures, including ongoing visual inspections and coordination among field crews, are in place to support a timely response should conditions change.

Guardians and Stewards from Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua are present on site to oversee and support the work. These repairs are considered interim measures and do not represent a long-term solution to the Place Glacier hazard.

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.
Sand and empty sandbags are available on site. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and gloves and to take only the number of sandbags reasonably required to help protect their property.

Additional information about flood preparedness, making an “emergency ready plan”, and effective sandbagging is available through PreparedBC.

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.