24 properties on alert as glacial lake threatens Pemberton area
Residents told to prepare for short-notice evacuation as glacial lake reaches dangerous depth.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
About two dozen properties near Pemberton are under evacuation alert due to the risk of flooding from a glacial lake at Place Glacier that has reached an estimated depth of 24 metres—the same level that triggered an outburst last year.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District says residents in the Poole Creek-Gates Lake area need to be prepared to leave on short notice. An outburst from the lake could create both overland and debris flooding in downstream properties.
The area experienced severe flooding in 2024 when a sudden collapse within the glacier created a debris flow that altered the normal drainage path from the mountain. Emergency work that year successfully prevented water from flooding into Gates Lake and altering the drainage path again. Another outburst happened in 2025, resulting in some riverbank flooding, though the 2024 emergency work limited damage.
About 15 properties were placed on evacuation alert during the 2025 event. "Given the potential threat to public safety and the possibility of impacts to life and safety, residents and property owners in the affected area should be prepared to leave the area on short notice," the current alert states.
Residents should stay informed and monitor conditions regularly.