Large-scale helicopter evacuation after glacial lake outburst flood in Bugaboo Provincial Park, Canada

Flooding in Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia, stranded more than 60 hikers on August 17, forcing Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) to conduct a large-scale helicopter evacuation.

Rescuers reported that floodwaters from a breached glacial tarn eroded the ice dam containing it and released a surge of water into the Kain Hut basin.

Jordy Shepherd, a mountain guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and member of CVSAR, said that on their first reconnaissance flight “very high creek levels above the Kain Hut, and dirty water” were observed.

The hut access bridge was intact but surrounded by raging water, making it unsafe for evacuation on foot. Upstream, a meltwater lake between Bugaboo Spire and Crescent Spire had cut a deep channel through glacier ice, sending water rapidly into the valley.

Guests staying at the Alpine Club of Canada’s (ACC) Conrad Kain Hut were among the first to notice the rising creek level. The hut custodian contacted SAR when the flooding increased, and ACC Executive Director Carine Salvy confirmed that the hut was fully booked, with more than 30 people inside. Nearby campgrounds were also full, bringing the total number of people stranded in the core area to more than 60.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, supported by Alpine Helicopters, coordinated the evacuation with the assistance of ACMG guides, ACC staff, and a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer.

The operation involved 10 helicopter flights over approximately seven hours, transporting more than 60 people and their gear from the alpine basin to the valley bottom. Helicopters refueled at a Canadian Mountain Holidays lodge during the operation.

According to Shepherd, the evacuation also included an additional flight to remove people from a more remote campground. All evacuees were reported in good condition. “Everyone was in good spirits, but sad to have to leave the Bugaboos,” he said.

In response, BC Parks closed the park’s core area, including the Kain Hut Trail, Boulder Camp, and Applebee Dome Camp, until water levels subside and hazards are reassessed. BC’s Ministry of Environment and Parks stated that the flood was caused by rainfall increasing lake levels until they overran the ice dam, followed by rapid melting of the dam by flowing water.

Events of this type, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), are recognized hazards in alpine environments where ice- or moraine-dammed lakes can suddenly release large volumes of water.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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