Community Update 21: Place Glacier Hazard

The Place Glacier flood hazard continues to present a risk to public safety and the Evacuation Order for affected properties in the Gates Lake and Poole Creek area remains in effect.

An aerial LiDAR survey completed on July 5 has provided technical experts with additional information about conditions at Place Glacier. The survey confirms that a large volume of water that was in the lake remains stored within the glacier system and has not yet been released into Place Creek. This information helps explain why increased flows have not yet been observed downstream and reinforces that the flood hazard remains high and the Evacuation Order continues to be necessary.

Technical experts advise that the volume of stored water is still comparable to the amount released during the 2024 outburst event. While the timing of any release remains uncertain, the flood hazard remains high and conditions can change quickly.

The SLRD Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor conditions with technical experts. When monitoring equipment and observations from cameras on the glacier indicate that flood waters have begun to move downstream through Place Creek, the SLRD will:

• Issue an update through SLRD Alert, the SLRD website, email updates, and social media. 
• SLRD staff and technical experts will observe and assess impacts to Place Creek, Poole Creek, infrastructure, and nearby properties. This includes coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) to monitor conditions at the Poole Creek Road culvert.
• Determine whether any additional emergency response measures are required based on observed conditions. 
• Conduct rapid damage assessments once peak flows have subsided to evaluate impacts and determine the next steps for response and recovery.

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. Dangerous conditions may develop with little warning and may include fast-moving water, debris flooding, erosion, and unstable streambanks.

The SLRD recognizes the ongoing impact this event and the associated emergency measures have had on affected residents. We appreciate the continued patience, understanding, and cooperation of the community as technical experts work to better understand this evolving situation and support public safety.

The following emergency measures are currently in effect:

• Evacuation Order issued at 10:00 a.m. on June 25, 2026
• Declaration of State of Local Emergency (SOLE)

Find timely updates about this event and ensure you receive all emergency notifications:

• Sign up for the free SLRD Alert at www.slrd.bc.ca/alert to receive emergency notifications directly by phone, text message, or email. 
• Subscribe to Place Glacier Hazard email updates
• Review the Place Glacier Outburst Flood Hazard project page on the SLRD’s website.
• Follow the SLRD on Facebook and Instagram.