The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for one property in the Pemberton Valley as an atmospheric river brings heavy rainfall to the Sea-to-Sky region.
In a community update released by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District on December 14, officials said the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to monitor weather conditions and take action if required.
The SLRD is working with Lil’wat Nation, the Village of Pemberton, and the Pemberton Valley Dyking District to prepare for potential impacts related to the storm.
According to the SLRD, the evacuation alert applies to one property, with further details available on the district’s Emergency Alerts and Orders webpage. No evacuation orders have been issued.
Rainfall warning, flood watch, and travel advisory in effect
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow rainfall warning for much of the SLRD, including areas from Howe Sound through the Pemberton Valley.
Rainfall totals of up to 70 millimetres are forecast between Sunday, December 14, and Monday, December 15, with the heaviest rain expected overnight between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Freezing levels are forecast to rise to approximately 2,500 metres by midday Monday.
Officials warn that water is likely to pool on roads and in low-lying areas, with nuisance flooding possible on some properties. Landslides may also occur in vulnerable terrain, including steep slopes, deforested areas, and recent burn scars.
The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded conditions on the Lillooet River and its tributaries around Pemberton in Area C to a Flood Watch. A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect for the South Coast, including Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
According to the River Forecast Centre, a Flood Watch indicates river levels are rising and may approach or exceed bankfull, which could lead to flooding in areas adjacent to rivers. A High Streamflow Advisory means water levels are rising rapidly, increasing risks near fast-moving waterways, though major flooding is not expected.
A travel advisory is in place for Highway 99 in both directions between Main Street and Seton Lake Road, covering a 90.2-kilometre stretch from one kilometre north of Pemberton to Lillooet.
DriveBC warns that heavy rain may lead to debris flows, washouts, or road closures, and motorists are advised to avoid flooded roadways and allow extra travel time.
The SLRD is urging residents to prepare for possible emergencies by creating household emergency plans, ensuring emergency kits are stocked, and preparing grab-and-go bags for all household members, including pets.
The regional district says further updates will be provided through its website and social media channels as conditions evolve and information changes.
