Shelter-in-place advisories have been issued for British Columbia’s Pemberton Valley and parts of Squamish as flooding threatens properties, blocks roads and forces evacuations, CBC reports.

Residents covered by the advisories are being told to remain where they are unless they are under an evacuation order. Anyone under an order is instructed to leave immediately.

Líl̓wat Nation expanded its evacuation order Thursday morning along the Lillooet River corridor, from Kwetsa7 to Lillooet Lake. The nation reported flooding along the Green River, describing its flows as “exceptionally high,” while the Birkenhead River was flowing near record levels. The Lillooet River was forecast to keep rising for several more hours.

Sections of Lillooet Lake Road had about six inches to one foot of water flowing over them, according to the nation. Residents were warned not to walk or drive through floodwater. If water blocks an evacuation route, the nation instructed people to move to safe higher ground and call for assistance, or 911 in immediate danger. A muster point and reception centre are open at Úll̓us Community Complex.

In Pemberton, an evacuation order covers the regional airport, the B.C. Wildfire Service base, golf course facilities, an animal shelter and a small number of homes. The entire village and properties in the Electoral Area C portion of the Pemberton Valley are under evacuation alert. A reception centre is open at the Pemberton and District Community Centre.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District said sections of Pemberton Meadows Road and Highway 99 were impassable. Canada Post suspended delivery to Pemberton, saying mail and parcels would be held until service could resume.

In Squamish, the shelter-in-place advisory covers Paradise Valley, Sunwolf Lodge and the Cheekye Ranch area downstream of the Cheakamus Dam at Daisy Lake. Paradise Valley Road is closed at the Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge, while Squamish Valley Road is closed at the Pilchuck Bailey Bridge.

The district said in a morning update that river levels were expected to peak Thursday and then begin falling. Mayor Sean Easton told CBC the emergency operations centre was monitoring conditions while the district prepared for another weekend weather system, whose rainfall amounts remained uncertain.

Sources