The Place Glacier flood hazard continues to present public safety risk and the Evacuation Order for properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area remains in effect.
Monitoring equipment installed at the glacier indicates that the lake is draining slowly, however additional monitoring equipment immediately downstream of the glacier indicates that this water has not yet been released into the Place Creek water channel below.
Technical experts advise that the water draining slowly from the ice-marginal lake is temporarily accumulating within the lower glacier system and the potential for a rapid outburst of flood water below the glacier remains high. In the current state, conditions can change quickly and the rate of drainage could increase at any time.
Lidar/ortho imagery shows Place Glacier and the ice-marginal glacial lake near the top and Place Creek depicted as a blue dotted line. (Image courtesy Derek Heathfield/Hakai Institute)
The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor conditions around the clock with technical experts. Residents and members of the public are reminded to stay away from Place Creek, Poole Creek, Gates Lake, and all nearby water channels. Please do not travel to the area to observe conditions.
Communications and Engagement
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Phone: 604.894.6371 x264
Email: communications@slrd.bc.ca