‘Glacial lake outburst’ prompts evacuation alert northeast of Pemberton, B.C.

Emergency officials in Squamish-Lillooet have issued an evacuation alert to two dozen properties amid concerns of a “potential glacial lake outburst.”

The alert explains this event could cause overland flooding and debris flooding in the areas of Poole Creek and Gates Lake, near the community of Birken, B.C.

Monitoring at the Place Glacier reports that water has reached the same volume as before a glacial outburst in 2025.

“NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION,” stressed officials in their release.

Twenty-four properties were listed in the evacuation alert issued Sunday morning. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District asks residents to ensure they’re prepared to leave the area with “limited notice due to rapidly changing conditions.”

Those evacuating have been cautioned against backcountry locations, streambanks, and water channels due to potentially increased water flow, erosion, and streambank instability.

Emergency officials say a 24/7 sandbagging station is set up in Gates Community Park. Locals who notice flooding affecting properties are asked to call the regional district at 604-384-7357 to report it.