A glacial lake located near Pemberton, British Columbia, is at risk of bursting, leading to potential flooding in the surrounding region, experts warn. Properties in the Poole Creek and Gates Lake area of D’Arcy and Birken, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Pemberton, have been placed under evacuation alert due to rising water levels in the lake next to Place Glacier. If the water level reaches 30 meters, an evacuation order will be issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
The area has experienced glacial lake outbursts in both 2024 and 2025, with no reported property damage from the flooding. The monitoring systems at the lake have detected water levels similar to those before the previous outburst in 2025, raising concerns among officials. The regional district board chair, Jen Ford, emphasized the importance of readiness and having evacuation plans in place for the community.
Scientists have installed pressure sensors and cameras at the lake to closely monitor water levels, as the accumulation of melting water poses a continuous threat. The drainage process underneath the glacier, which leads to potential outbursts, could take several hours to unfold, according to research scientist Jeff Crompton.
The timing of future outbursts remains uncertain, according to earth sciences professor Brian Menounos. The outbursts are expected to persist until the glacier has receded entirely, highlighting the ongoing risk faced by the community. Despite calls to drain the lake using explosives, authorities have expressed concerns about the potential geotechnical impacts of such actions in the high alpine terrain.
Place Glacier serves as a crucial research site for studying glacier behavior, offering insights that could benefit other glacier sites. With the threat of outbursts looming, understanding and preparing for such events are essential for the safety and well-being of communities residing near glaciers in British Columbia.