Landslide evacuation order lifted

PEMBERTON, B.C. – An evacuation order issued following the massive landslide near Pemberton has been lifted.

The landslide that altered the course of Lillooet River had forced the evacuation of about 1,500 people.

The local state of emergency was issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District along with the evacuation order after a large rock and debris landslide occurred from Mt. Meager through Capricorn Creek. The landslide caused the damming of Meager Creek and partially blocked the Lillooet River, forcing waters to flow around a new channel.

Earlier, RCMP and emergency workers rescued 13 campers who were trapped by the landslide.

“Pursuant to the Emergency Program Act and a Declaration of a State of Local Emergency declared August 6, 2010, an Evacuation Order has been issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District [“SLRD”], the Village of Pemberton and Lil’wat Nation due to imminent threat of a debris dam breach associated with the Mount Meager landslide,” said a statement issued earlier by the regional district.

“The Evacuation Order is in effect for the Lillooet River Valley floodplain in the Pemberton Meadows upstream of Miller Creek, and the Lillooet River Valley floodplain from the Lillooet River Bridge on Highway 99 downstream to Lillooet Lake.

“The evacuation order areas affect an estimated 1500 people,” it said.

Now, police say exprt evaluations suggest it is safe to go home.

The slide occurred at 5:30 a.m. on Friday. Massive amounts of rock and debris slid into Meager Creeek 65 kilometres from Pemberton.

“Police were advised that the rock avalanche had caused an earthen dam, which is approximately 300 meters wide and approximately 2 kms in length. It covers almost the entire span of the Valley,” said Sgt. Shawn LeMay.

LeMay said police were called to rescue 13 campers who were stuck on the north side of the avalanche caused by the Capricorn Glacier source on Capricorn Mountain.

“Information provided to police this morning indicated that thirteen (13) campers were stuck on the north side of the avalanche and would not be able to get out of the area, due to there being only one access via the Forest Service Road and because at least 5 kms of the road appeared to have been covered by the avalanche.

“Pemberton RCMP members were able to land near the area with the assistance of Search and Rescue and in close proximity to the camping area. They airlifted eight (8) persons to safety and without injury. Five (5) local miners have chosen to voluntarily stay behind and remain at high ground.”

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Posted by News Editor on Aug 7 2010. Filed under Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry