UPDATE (Nov. 10, 2016): The BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded a flood warning to a high streamflow advisory for the Lillooet River near Pemberton; the flood watch has also been ended for the Squamish River near Brackendale.
Crews are dealing with flooding and rising river levels near Pemberton after the area was hit with heavy rain and melting snow.
A flood warning has been issued for the Lillooet River near Pemberton, including all surrounding creeks and tributaries. A high streamflow advisory has also been issued for the Squamish River near Brackendale.
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District says heavy rains and unseasonably warm weather across the Sea-to-Sky region have caused rapid rises in the two rivers. The flooding was compounded by the tropical air system triggering snow melts into the Squamish and Lillooet River watersheds.
The flooding has shut down Pemberton Meadows Road near kilometer 23. Crews are on scene and hope to have the road open to single-lane alternating traffic by Thursday night.
The Squamish Valley Road has now been reopened near Pilchuck Bridge after getting shut down and cutting off 70 properties in the area on Wednesday. There may be areas of water pooling on the road, however.
The district says twenty residents had to leave their homes in the Pemberton Valley because of the flooding.
The Evacuation Alert previously issued for Airport Road has now been rescinded. One Mile Lake Park and Vine Road have also been reopened.
Residents are being asked to stay clear of rivers, creeks and streams due to quickly flowing water and potentially unstable riverbanks. Drivers are also asked to exercise extreme caution when driving, slow down, watch for water pooling on roads and be prepared for washouts and road closures.
There have been no reports of injuries so far.
Global News cameras captured the rescue of a dog near the village of Pemberton Wednesday night.
Rain abating in the past 24 hours has decreased the immediate flood risk, however more rain is coming, so residents are encouraged to stay on high alert.
Environment Canada has advised that a strong frontal system is moving in on the coast, bringing rain over the Sea-to-Sky area by midnight on Thursday, persisting through Friday. A second system will follow on its heels, bringing the heaviest rain expected on Saturday morning. Another system is coming Sunday afternoon.
Nearly 50 millimetres of rain are expected in Squamish, with 20 to 30 millimetres of rain expected in Pemberton.
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