Evacuation order in Pemberton downgraded to evacuation alert

An evacuation order issued for parts of Pemberton Tuesday has been downgraded to an evacuation alert a day later.

The order had been triggered by heavy rainfall and elevated river flows and had applied to six properties on Airport Road. The properties included Whistler Skydiving, the Sunstone Gold Club Bar & Grill, and the Big Sky Golf Club. However, conditions and forecasts have since improved, leading to the downgrade, the Village of Pemberton said in a notice Wednesday.

A village-wide state of emergency is still active and a flood warning remains in effect for the area. Water levels are expected to rise between Wednesday and Friday, with flooding possible.

“We encourage the area to only be used for essential purposes by businesses and property owners,” the Village of Pemberton said in a notice Wednesday.

“An evacuation order may need to be reissued for the properties in the alert area; however, if that is deemed necessary, the evacuation order process will recommence.”

Dozens of property owners along the Sea to Sky are also being told to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, and flood warnings have been issued for Whistler and Squamish. Locally, a flood watch is in place for the North Shore Mountains and the Fraser Valley.

According to the notice, those impacted by an alert should arrange accommodation and transportation should they need to leave. It also says those in the affected areas should gather essential items including medications, eyeglasses, important documents, and keepsakes and have them ready for a quick departure. Pets and livestock should be moved to a safe area.

With files from Robyn Crawford.