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Glacial Lake Threat Recedes: Evacuation Order Lifted
22 Jul
Summary
- Evacuation order lifted for Birken community as glacial lake threat receded.
- Place Glacier lake's outburst flood hazard risk has subsided, experts confirm.
- 24 properties evacuated June 25, with potential for 1.3 billion liters release.
Residents near Pemberton, British Columbia, have been permitted to return home following the lifting of an evacuation order. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District announced the change Tuesday afternoon, confirming that the potential danger from the Place Glacier outburst flood hazard has receded.
The glacial lake, which has been slowly forming from melting ice, posed an annual risk of releasing millions of liters of water into the community of Birken. This year, 24 properties were evacuated on June 25 as the lake neared capacity.
Experts believe the lake began to drain, with much of the water likely stored beneath the glacier itself, mitigating the risk of a large-scale flood down the mountain. Despite this, some residents experienced localized flooding in creeks, impacting businesses and daily life.
Scientists plan to study the glacier further, as radar surveys indicate the hazard is expected to continue annually until the glacier fully recedes. The lake's slightly colder water this year may have contributed to a slower drain rate.
