The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is warning residents of Gates Lake and Poole Creek to use extreme caution near flood debris. It warned in a Facebook post the material is “very loose” and varies in depth. The debris may appear solid, but it may be incredibly dangerous.
On Sunday, July 21, a “sudden and high volume of water” flowed from Place Glacier and into Poole Creek. It deposited large amounts of silt and sand within the Place Creek and Poole Creek channels.
“Please use extreme caution when approaching this material and avoid, if possible,” the SLRD posted. Visitors to the area were also warned to err on the side of caution.
Community members expressed their worries that someone could lose their life in the debris. Evelyn Coggins warned neighbours to closely supervise their children and pets in a post on Pemberton’s community forum.
“The flood silt in the creek looks like sand but is bottomless and unstable,” she said. “Children and animals/pets need to be closely supervised as there is the potential for loss of life in that muck.”
