Flooding forces evacuation order, state of local emergency in Pemberton

UPDATE Jan. 31, 2024:Pemberton residents warned to be prepared amid flooding state of emergency, as another atmospheric river nears

The village of Pemberton, B.C., remains under a state of local emergency because of flooding, with peopleliving and workingon several rural properties out of their homes since late Tuesday.

An evacuation order is in placefor six properties along Airport Road, which include some residential properties, a golf course and adventure tourism companies connected to the airport.

Evacuation alerts are also in place for about 20 other properties in the Pemberton Valley, as several waterways swell with melting snow during an unseasonable warm spell in southwestern B.C. caused by a stream of moisture-laden Pacific air.

The Village of Pemberton says properties at risk include those along the Lillooet, Ryan, Miller, Green and Birkenhead rivers, Pemberton Creek and Lillooet Lake.

In declaring the emergency Tuesday, the village saidthere is "an immediate danger to life safety caused by flooding in the Pemberton Valley" for the affected properties.

People in the area have been told to evacuate toward the Sea to Sky Highway.

Pembertonis located about 30 kilometres north of Whistler and 150 kilometresnorth of Vancouver. It is home to about 3,400 people.

Mayor Mike Richmansaid while river levels have receded slightlysince Tuesday morning,warm weather and snowmelt have contributed to the flooding.

"It's really a bit of a wait and see what we get tomorrow and the day after," Richmansaid on CBC's On The Coast Tuesday afternoon. "We're happy with where we are at this moment in time, we'll let people know if there's any need for any further action."

He reminded residents to stay clear of waterways andto have a bag packed in case they are placed on evacuation order.

WATCH| Pemberton mayor on local state of emergency:

Pemberton mayor says village is prepared if flooding conditions worsen

7 months ago

Duration 0:40

Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman says a local state of emergency allows the village to be prepared if conditions worsen after Tuesday's floods. Richman also says the village is checking the weather forecast hourly and will issue more evacuation alerts as needed.

A bulletin fromB.C.'s River Forecast Centre says a gauge along the Lillooet River had recorded flows reaching levels seen once every five to 10 years.

A flood warning remains in effect for the Squamish River, where a bulletin says flows haveexceeded once-in-five-year levels at a gauge near Brackendale, north of downtownSquamish.

The risk of flooding is expected to persist into Thursday, as another atmospheric river brings more rain and melting snow, the bulletin says.

Anyone affected by the evacuation orderwho requires transportation from the area is advised to call 604-894-6135. Emergency support services are available through the Red Cross at 1-888-800-6493.

Intersection flooded

Pemberton resident Dusty Mckinnonsays the intersection ofPemberton Portage Road and Vine Road was flooded on Tuesday.

He says it may be difficult for those living in townhouses on the southeast side of Pemberton Portage Road a stretch of Highway 99 that runs through the village to leave thecommunity.

"You can't get through there unless you're willing to take a risk with your big vehicle," said Mckinnon, adding water was up to the hood of his vehicle when he drove through on Tuesday.

Riel Cairns, owner ofBackCountry Pizza near the intersection at Pemberton Portage and Vine roads, said he has heard from customers about how they are preparing.

"We had people with livestock who had to get their livestock out of their properties ...various different residences that are sandbagging as we speak," said Cairns.

Cairns says he has seenfloods in Pemberton, but usually not at this time of year.

"This is Pemberton, if it's not smoke and fires in the summertime, then invariably we'll get some floods at some point," said Cairns.