State of local emergency issued in Pemberton, amid Sea to Sky flooding
Posted January 30, 2024 5:55 pm.
Last Updated January 31, 2024 6:18 am.
A state of local emergency has been issued and numerous properties have been ordered to evacuate in Pemberton, as water levels surge in the Sea to Sky region.
The Village of Pemberton issued the state of emergency on Tuesday due to the flood hazard encroaching upon the area.
Around noon, six properties on Airport Road were issued evacuation orders, “…due to immediate danger to life safety caused by flooding in the Pemberton Valley.” The affected properties include Whistler Skydiving, the Sunstone Gold Club Bar & Grill, and the Big Sky Golf Club.
At 5:30 p.m., an evacuation alert was issued for all low-lying properties adjacent to Arn Canal, Vine Road and the Highway 99 Mobile Home Park.
“A Flood Warning has been issued by the River Forecast Centre due to heavy precipitation and elevated river, creek and canal flows are being observed,” the alert reads.
“On-going hazards for increased flows are expected as another atmospheric river brings continued rainfall and snowmelt.”
Properties affected by the alert include several on Alder Drive, Willow Drive, Oak Street, Urdal Road, Poplar Street, Prospect Street, Laurel Street, Olive Street, Laburnum Street, Hemlock Street, Cottonwood Street, Arbutus Street, Crabapple Court, Highway 99 and Vine Road.
Property owners under evacuation order are being told to evacuate towards the Sea to Sky Highway and contact the Red Cross if they’re in need of support. Meanwhile, those under alert are being told to prepare sandbags and prepare to evacuate, if necessary.
In areas affected by the evacuation order, the RCMP and other authorities with jurisdiction may control access to properties, and infrastructure agencies may be granted access to protect at-risk buildings.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for 14 days, unless stated otherwise.
Elsewhere along the Sea to Sky, a flood warning has been issued for Whistler and Squamish, where elevated river levels are sparking concern.
At 5 p.m., an evacuation alert was also issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for dozens of properties along the Sea to Sky Highway and Ryan Creek Road.
