Good Earth Day to you!
The annual day is being marked by provincial leaders.
"British Columbia is lucky to have so many marvellous natural wonders, from snow-capped mountains to verdant valleys to spectacular coastlines. Our government is working in partnership with more than 60 First Nations on stewardship projects embracing local and Indigenous knowledge to protect nature. Our unique biospheres are our inheritance. We have an obligation to preserve them as our legacy for future generations," said Premier David Eby, in a release.
"For 55 years, Earth Day has been raising awareness and encouraging action on critically important environmental issues. This year's Earth Day theme is Our Planet, Our Power. It is a call for the world to harness renewable energy to build a healthy, equitable and prosperous future. A transition to renewable energy is driving innovation in industry, transportation and agriculture, and spurring technological advancements, while creating millions of new jobs around the world, including here in British Columbia."
The province's Minister of Environment and Parks, Tamara Davidson, also weighed in on the importance of the day.
"Since 1970, Earth Day has stood as a time for all of us to reflect on how we can continue to care for our planet so it will continue to take care of us. With the ongoing effects of climate change being felt annually in the form of worsening drought, wildfires, heat waves and other weather events, now is the time to ramp up our efforts to work with our environment, not against it, for the betterment of all," she said.
Locally, there are various clean-up scheduled.
Register your Pitch-In Week activity with the District and the muni will supply gloves, garbage bags and a tipping fee waiver for all registered cleanup events.
It is set to be a beautiful day to be outside cleaning up or appreciating nature.
According to Environment Canada, today will remain mainly sunny.
The wind will be blowing from the south at 20 km/h near noon.
Sunrise was at 6:07 a.m.; sunset will be at 8:17 p.m.
The UV index is set to rise to 5, or moderate today.
It has been some time since we have had to think about the UV index.
As a refresher, the higher the UV index number, the stronger the sun's rays, and the greater the need to take sun safety precautions.
In Canada, the UV index ranges from 0 to 11+.
Environment Canada warns that when the UV index is 3 or higher, you should protect your skin as much as possible.
- Did you know: Window glass does not provide full UV protection. It filters out UV-B but not UV-A. You can still get a sunburn. It just takes longer. (From Environment Canada.)
Tonight, expect a few clouds, with a risk of frost overnight.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Pemberton, again, which saw a high of 17.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 14.3 C.
The coldest spot in B.C. on April 21 was Tatlayoko Lake (in the western Chilcotin Country of the Central Interior), which dipped to -9.1 C.
The coldest spot in Canada yesterday was Alert, NU which dipped to -26.1 C.
Moon phase
The moon is in its last quarter phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 32.56%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun.
It is currently located in the constellation of Aquarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
The moon will rise at 4:11 a.m. and it will set at 1:44 p.m.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 10.9 C.
April average water temperature in Howe Sound is 9.7 C, the minimum temperature is 7.3 C, and the maximum is 13.8 C, according to the site.
Backcountry avalanche forecast
Today, according to avalog.co, the alpine avalanche rating for our region is low, the treeline rating is low and the below treeline rating is low.
"It’s a good time to explore more complex terrain, but be cautious around cornices if the sun comes out."
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Allergens
According to Aerobiology Research Laboratories data, this is the pollen count today in our region:
Pollen: High
Spores: Low
(Spores are produced by non-seed plants, fungi.)
Today's top allergens
Birch (High)
Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Thuja (Moderate)
All Fungal Spores (Low)
Other stuff you should know
Trail work to note
The municipality says its Mount Garibaldi Cemetery expansion is underway with forest and vegetation clearing now complete.
"Consultants are actively completing design milestones in preparation for construction, which is expected to take place from July to December 2025," the muni said in an update in its recent newsletter.
The nearby trail to the east, which has been affected by the land clearing for the expansion, has resulted in SORCA being retained to complete a 100-metre re-route.
This work will begin today, on April 22, with help from students at Don Ross Secondary. The District said it expects the re-route to be open by the end of May.
Landfill closure
The District notes that the landfill will be closed on April 29 for scale re-calibration.
"This routine maintenance ensures the weigh scale provides accurate readings and meets regulatory standards," reads an email alert from the District of Squamish.
Got old batteries?
If you have a baggy of dead batteries lying around, it is their time to depart.
The District is reminding residents that curbside battery collection is on this week, April 21 to 25.
"Take advantage of this pilot program to recycle your batteries responsibly and help keep harmful chemicals out of the landfill," the muni says in a social media post.
To prepare your batteries for collection, follow these simple steps:
→ Place acceptable batteries into clear, sealable plastic bags.
→ On your regular collection day, place the sealed battery bags on top of your recycling tote.
Battery collection will take place on your regular garbage and organics collection day that week. Be sure to leave your batteries curbside, place on top of your recycling tote. To learn more, please visit squamish.ca/battery-recycling.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
The District reminds locals that Squamish DOX Recycling, located at 40446 Government Road, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The recycle hub accepts a variety of recyclable materials, including: glass, flexible plastics, foam packaging, paper and cardboard, containers (plastic, metal, and paper).
Live view of the Stawamus Chief ⬇️.
