Glacial lake near Pemberton bursts sending floodwater to small community
A rising glacial lake has burst sending water towards a small community northeast of Pemberton, B.C.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) issued an alert on Tuesday around 10 a.m. that the lake beside Place Glacier had started to drain.
"Technical experts have advised that the expected outburst of the ice-marginal lake in Place Glacier is underway," it states.
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Floodwaters are likely to peak in Place Glacier’s downstream channels late in the day on Wednesday.
(B.C. Wildfire Service via CBC)
People are being asked to stay away from creeks and Gates Lake due to dangerous conditions, which are expected to include fast-moving water, debris, erosion, and unstable stream banks.
SLRD said the alert is being sent for the safety and awareness of all residents.
Homeowners in the area have been on alert for three weeks as the glacial lake could have burst at any moment.
On June 25, an evacuation order was issued for two dozen properties in the Poole Creek and Gates Lake area of Birken, roughly 30 kilometres northeast of Pemberton.
The lake near B.C.'s Place Glacier is at risk of another outburst event this year, officials say. (Jeff Crompton)
Sensors and a B.C. Wildfire Service camera were set up at the lake to monitor its levels.
Brian Menounos, a geography professor at the University of Northern B.C. and affiliate scientist with Hakai Institute, said experts have "fairly moderate confidence" that the peak flows will come later in the day Wednesday — but it's still uncertain how fast the channel beneath the glacier could grow.
Menounos stressed that the June 25 evacuation order should be taken seriously.
"Nobody likes to be removed from their properties," he said.
"And, as a scientist, my heart goes out to people that have to relocate, especially getting close to Canada Day. However, you know, it's really in the best interest to keep everyone safe."
A glacial lake beside Place Glacier, seen here on June 29, 2026, rose steadily and burst on June 30. (The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District)
Outbursts also happened in 2024 and 2025.
During the flooding event two years ago, researchers estimate 100,000 cubic metres of water and debris came hurling down the mountain and split off towards Gates Lake and Poole Creek.
The SLRD said an embankment was strengthened this year to maintain the creek flow into its "natural and normal" alignment to Poole Creek and reduce it from going towards Gates Lakes.
No houses were damaged in the previous flood events.
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Thumbnail courtesy of the the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District via CBC.
The story was originally written by Alanna Kelly and published for CBC News.