A warning has been issued by experts regarding the potential risk of a glacial lake near Pemberton, British Columbia, bursting and causing flooding in the surrounding area. Currently, around two dozen properties in the Poole Creek and Gates Lake vicinity in D’Arcy and Birken are on evacuation alert due to the situation.
The monitoring systems at the lake adjacent to Place Glacier have indicated that the water level has reached a critical point of 24 meters, the same level observed during a previous outburst in 2025. If the water level surpasses 30 meters, an evacuation order will be issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, as stated by board chair Jen Ford.
The community has experienced glacial lake outbursts in both 2024 and 2025, with no reported damage to properties from the flooding incidents. Ford emphasized the importance of readiness and having evacuation plans in place, highlighting the recurring nature of such events in recent years.
Notably, the outbursts are expected to continue until the glacier has fully receded. To closely monitor water levels, pressure sensors and cameras have been installed at the lake site, allowing scientists to track any changes effectively. Jeff Crompton, a research scientist, pointed out that the process of a lake failure is gradual, typically unfolding over several hours.
Regarding the timing of future outbursts, Brian Menounos, a professor of earth sciences, mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the exact occurrence but stressed the inevitability of the event. In past occurrences, the outburst led to flooding in Gates Lake and triggered a debris flow, highlighting the potential risks associated with these events.
While there have been discussions about using explosives to drain the lake, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness has refrained from funding this approach due to uncertainties about its effectiveness and potential geological impacts. Place Glacier’s comprehensive monitoring system serves as a valuable model for studying glacier behavior and predicting similar events in other regions.
In conclusion, the ongoing situation at Place Glacier serves as a crucial indicator of potential hazards posed by glacial lake outbursts, necessitating proactive measures and continued monitoring to mitigate risks and ensure community safety.