Update—9:40 a.m., Feb. 1: An evacuation alert for several properties in Pemberton was rescinded Thursday morning, Feb. 1.
"Based on observed conditions, forecasts and favourable weather, the risk of potential flooding no longer poses a potential danger to Airport Road, Vine Road, Hwy 99 Mobile Home Park, and low-lying properties adjacent to the Arn Canal," the Village of Pemberton said.
"We are strongly encouraging the area of Airport Road to be used only for essential purposes by business and property owners for the time being."
Find more details and a full list of affected properties here.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District also rescinded its evacuation alert for the area on Feb. 1.
Check back with Pique for updates.
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Update—4 p.m., Jan. 31: The evacuation order for properties on Airport Road has been downgraded to an evacuation alert, according to the Village of Pemberton (VOP).
The order was downgraded "due to observed conditions, forecasts and favourable weather," the VOP said.
"A Flood Warning is still in effect for the area and flows are expected to rise Wednesday through Friday with ongoing potential for flooding expected over this period. We encourage the area to only be used for essential purposes by businesses and property owners," reads the new alert.
"An Evacuation Order may need to be reissued for the properties in the Alert area; however, if that is deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will recommence."
Meanwhile, a travel advisory is in effect for Pemberton and Mount Currie due to flooding. The advisory covers about 18.4 kilometres between Nairn Falls Place Rd. and Lillooet Lake. Check DriveBC for updates.
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Update—1:30 p.m., Jan. 31: The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has issued an evacuation alert for 33 properties in Area C, citing "potential danger to life and safety."
The properties are located along the Sea to Sky Highway, Ryan Creek Road and Pemberton Meadows Road.
"Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions," the SLRD said.
Further info will be posted in notices at slrd.bc.ca and through the SLRD Alert Messaging service. Subscribe at slrd.bc.ca/alert to receive emergency notifications via email and text messages.
If you're heading up the Hurley, be warned: the road is washed out on the Pemberton side, about seven kilometres up the Lillooet FSR.
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Update—12:30 p.m., Jan. 31: More rain is on the way in Pemberton today, as the community deals with a state of local emergency.
Between 10 and 20 millimetres of rain is forecast to fall in Pemberton Valley today. The Village of Pemberton (VOP) and Lil’wat Nation both provided updates on Jan. 31 to keep locals informed.
The VOP's communications and engagement advisor, Michelle Fernandes, said ongoing hazards from increased flows are expected, as atmospheric river conditions and warm temperatures continue to bring heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
“The Village of Pemberton is asking all community members to please avoid entering evacuated areas, adhere to all evacuation orders, alerts, and advisories, and stay clear of floodwaters (including lakes and rivers) for safety,” she said.
“For the latest updates, community members are also encouraged to follow the Village of Pemberton Facebook page and website News & Updates page. We also highly encourage all community members to subscribe to Pemberton Alert for essential updates during emergencies.”
The Lil’wat Nation said there was sporadic rainfall throughout the corridor last night, and that some streams have started to rise again.
“The Lillooet River is starting to rise again, but is not expected to reach the same levels as yesterday,” the nation wrote in a Facebook post “Predicting the river’s response to this week’s rainfall events has proved difficult and has become a valuable learning experience. We are lucky that the rain in the forecast last night was delayed giving the rivers time to recede.”
The Lil’wat Nation said there is still lots of uncertainty in the forecast, and that things can change quickly. Public works will monitor the situation and another update will be provided Lil’wat Nation’s Facebook page at the end of the day.
Original stories follow. Check back with Pique for more as this story develops...
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Update: The Village of Pemberton (VOP) has now issued an evacuation alert for all low-lying properties adjacent to the Arn Canal, Vine Road, and Highway 99 Mobile Home Park. Find the full list of affected properties here.
The VOP said the alert was issued due to "potential danger to life and health."
"A Flood Warning has been issued by the River Forecast Centre due to heavy precipitation and elevated river, creek and canal flows are being observed," the VOP said in the alert. "On-going hazards for increased flows are expected as another atmospheric river brings continued rainfall and snowmelt."
All affected residents are advised to prepare properties by sandbagging.
"An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advanced notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions," the VOP said in the alert.
What affected residents need to do:
Upon notification of an evacuation alert, you should be prepared for the Evacuation Order by:
- Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting location outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
- Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e., insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
- Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
- Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
- Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you need transportation assistance from the area, please call the Village of Pemberton at 604.894.6135
- Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Emergency Support Services will be available.
- Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders.
"Further information will be issued as required and available at pemberton.ca and through the PembertonAlert emergency notification system. Subscribe at pemberton.ca," the VOP said.
For more information contact the VOP at 604-894-6135.
Original story follows. Check back for updates as this story develops.
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An evacuation order is in effect for Airport Road in Pemberton due to severe flooding, according to the Village of Pemberton (VOP), while the VOP has also declared a state of local emergency.
The evacuation order is necessary as flooding is causing an “immediate danger to life and safety,” the VOP said in a Facebook post. People should leave the area immediately using Highway 99.
The order affects the following addresses: 1643, 1674, 1690, 1710, 1730, and 1850, all on Airport Road.
The VOP also declared a state of local emergency in response to the current flood hazard and risk to life and property. The order will remain in place for 14 days, until Tuesday, Feb. 13 at midnight, unless otherwise advised.
Residents in need of Emergency Support Services can contact the Red Cross at 1-888-800-6493. If you require transportation assistance from the area, call 604-894-6135.
Several areas in Pemberton are now closed off. There is significant pooling at the intersection between Highway 99 and Vine Road. People are asked not to drive through this area and to use the Visitor Centre roadway as an alternate route to Highway 99.
One Mile Lake and park remain closed. Locals are asked to avoid the area at this time.
The VOP strongly encourages all residents to subscribe to Pemberton Alert to receive emergency notifications (preparepemberton.ca).
Lil’wat Nation’s Public Works is also keeping a close eye on local river conditions. A sandbag station was set up at 2037 Main Street in Mount Currie for anyone who may need it. The Lil’wat Nation advised locals on Facebook to be prepared with emergency kits and necessary supplies.
“The BC River Forecast Centre for the South Coast of BC have issued a Flood Warning, including the Howe Sound and Sea to Sky regions,” the nation posted on Facebook.
“Residents should prepare accordingly and be ready for an emergency situation, should the situation worsen. Be prepared with emergency kits and necessary supplies.
"Residents are reminded to be cautious around the edges of all water courses during these increased flow periods and continue to be mindful of water safety. Stay clear of riverbanks and fast-moving water.”
Updates can be found on the Lil’wat Nation Facebook page.
Sunstone Golf Club also closed today due to flooding. In a post on Facebook, management said its top priority is ensuring the safety of all customers and staff. "We are actively working to assess and address the situation," they wrote. "Please stay tuned for updates on our reopening timeline. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time."
Other tips from the VOP for those evacuating:
Shut of all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers. Close all windows and doors. Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
Further updates will be posted to pemberton.ca.
For river-flow updates, follow the Pemberton Valley Dyking District on Facebook.
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops. Got a Pemberton news tip? Email reporter Roisin Cullen at [email protected].
