The Village of Pemberton in British Columbia has declared a state of local emergency due to severe flooding caused by unseasonably warm temperatures and melting snow. The village has issued an evacuation order for six properties along Airport Road, including residential properties, a golf course, and adventure companies connected to the airport. Additionally, evacuation alerts have been issued for about 20 other properties in the Pemberton Valley as waterways continue to swell with melting snow.
This flooding, which has been exacerbated by an unusual warm spell in southwestern British Columbia, has caused daily temperature records to be broken. As a result, the village has identified several waterways at risk of flooding, including the Lillooet, Ryan, Miller, Green, and Birkenhead rivers, Pemberton Creek, and Lillooet Lake.
Furthermore, the area surrounding the Pemberton Regional Airport is currently flooded, leading to the evacuation order for nearby properties. The mayor of Pemberton, Mike Richman, advises residents to head towards the Sea to Sky Highway for safety.
Pemberton, home to about 3,400 residents, is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Whistler and 150 kilometers north of Vancouver. The village urges residents to exercise caution and to remain prepared for further potential evacuation orders.
The current flooding has caused widespread disruption, with a resident reporting a flooded intersection and others preparing for potential evacuations. Dusty Mckinnon, a Pemberton resident, reports flooded roads, while Riel Cairns, the owner of BackCountry Pizza, notes that residents are taking measures to protect their properties. This flooding is unusual for Pemberton, occurring at a time of year when such events are typically not expected.
Considering the emergency situation, the village has expanded evacuation warnings and encouraged residents to remain vigilant. Emergency services are available through the Red Cross, and affected residents in need of transportation are advised to call 604-894-6135.
The flood warning is expected to persist due to another atmospheric river bringing more rain and melting snow. Residents are reminded to stay safe and to be prepared for further action.
Historically, Pemberton has experienced floods during the summer months, alongside wildfires. Current weather events have been particularly severe, warranting the declaration of a state of local emergency.