Glacial lake risk keeps Pemberton-area residents on evacuation alert

Residents northwest of Pemberton, British Columbia, remain under evacuation alert as a glacial lake near Place Glacier continues to grow and could overflow or burst at any time. Local homeowners say they are worried about flooding after previous outbursts damaged properties and left debris in creeks and drainage channels. Officials have been monitoring the lake since June 7, and the alert covers 24 properties near Birken. The SquamishLillooet Regional District says an evacuation order would be issued if the lake reaches a depth of 30 metres. Scientists say the timing is hard to predict, though a drain event is considered likely once the water reaches its maximum level. Residents are calling for more protective measures, including dredging, wider culverts and other drainage changes. Provincial officials say one proposed explosive mitigation option is not being funded because of safety concerns in the alpine terrain.