—Update: 1 p.m.—
A wind warning is in effect for Howe Sound.
According to Environment Canada southeast winds of 70km per hour gusting to 100 km per hour are expected for Saturday Dec. 14.
"A low pressure system will bring strong and gusty southeasterly winds to the inner south coast on Saturday. Southeast winds of 70 km/h gusting to 100 will develop Saturday morning and will ease in the afternoon," reads the alert.
"For Bowen Island, Lions Bay, Metro Vancouver West Vancouver to Boundary Bay and Saturna Island, winds will veer to south or southwest 70 km/h gusting to 90 Saturday afternoon as the front passes. These areas will see winds ease early Saturday evening.
"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds."
—Original story—
Good Friday to you, Squamish!
It is Friday the 13th today, what could possibly go wrong!
This is our second Friday the 13th of the year. The first was in September.
Fear of this day is called friggatriskaidekaphobia,
Why do we have superstitions around this day?
"The working theory is that Friday the 13 is actually the product of two separate fears working in tandem. The first is the fear of the number 13, and the second is the Christian-rooted superstition that Fridays are unlucky, stemming from the belief that it was the day of Crucifixion," reads a Concordia University article on the topic.
How will the weather be this freaky Friday?
Local meteorologist Jason Ross says we can expect intense low-pressure system to approach the south coast today through Saturday.
It will bring "significant" alpine snow and strong winds.
"A transient high-pressure ridge will move over the area on Sunday, bringing drier conditions before another system moves into the coast Sunday night through Monday. In addition to this, Coastal flooding is possible along the B.C. coast this weekend as some of the highest tides of the year combine with a storm surge from the deep area of low pressure," he said.
We will see a high of 4 C today and a low of 3 C overnight.
Avalanche Forecast
According to avalog.co, the alpine rating in the Sea to Sky is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low.
Known problems include storm slabs.
"No new avalanches have been reported in the last two days. A natural avalanche cycle is expected this weekend."
What does a moderate rating mean?
"Under moderate danger there is heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Features of concern should be identified and terrain and snow should be evaluated carefully. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human-triggered avalanches are possible," reads the Avalanche Canada site.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Solander Island ((located 1.5 km off the coast of the Brooks Peninsula on the west side of Vancouver Island), which hit 11.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high in Squamish yesterday was 4.6 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on Dec. 12 was Fort Nelson (located in the northeast corner of British Columbia at Mile 300 on the Alaska Highway), which dropped to -20.4 C.
Today's hot spot is slated to be Saturna Island (in the Southern Gulf Islands chain of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated approximately midway between the Lower Mainland of B.C. and Vancouver Island), which could reach 8.9 C.
The coldest spot in the province is slated to again be Fort Nelson, which is set to have a low of -19.8 C.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Dec. 13 is at 8:02 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:12 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing gibbous phase.
"The term waxing means increasing, and the term gibbous means 'humped-back.' Therefore, this phase is called waxing gibbous because the surface area of the moon that you see is increasing and the shape of the lit-up part of the moon looks like a hump-back. This phase is one step in the cycle away from the full moon phase, where the sun, Earth, and moon are in a straight line. As this phase is nearing, the sun and moon’s gravitational pull causes the bulge size of Earth’s tides to increase. This means that they are about to reach their maximum at spring tide," reads the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center site.
The moon's illumination is currently95.953%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Taurus, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 2:30 p.m.; moonset is at 6:23 a.m.
Tides
The next low tide today is at 9:29 a.m. (height: 3.66 metres), according to tide-forecast.com.
The next high tide will be at 2:25 p.m. (4.7 m); the final low tide will be at 10:06 p.m. (0.31 m).
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, water temperature in Howe Sound today is 7.8 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2015 and was 8.3 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2011 at 5.8 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 6.9 C in the next 10 days.
December's average water temperature in Howe Sound is 7.2 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C, and the maximum is 8.9 C.
Dollarama is open downtown
The new Dollarama is officially open downtown.
Four clerks were awaiting shoppers Dec. 12, when the doors opened.
"Our store at 1410 Winnipeg St., Squamish provides customers with compelling value in a convenient location, including metropolitan areas and small to mid-sized cities," reads the new store's website.
"Products are sold in individual or multiple units at select fixed price-points up to $5.00."
The downtown location was previously a Dollar Tree, which closed earlier this year.
It had opened in 2012.
There is also a Dollarama at 40198 Glenalder Place.
The company has 1,000 locations across the country,
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here's what caught our eye:
On now to Dec.14: Check out Squamish at Dusk at 38550 Loggers Lane from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
"Enjoy magical evenings of illumination at Squamish at Dusk which brightens Rose Park for three weekends from Nov. 28. Experience immersive environments, light art, and interactive light installations," reads the listing.
Tonight, you can head to Trickster's Hideout for Neon Steve, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
"Join us ... for an unforgettable night featuring the electrifying sounds of Neon Steve, with special support from Crippled Wheel," reads the listing.
The venue is located at 38005 Cleveland Ave.
Dec. 14, 15, get in the spirit of the season with the Sea to Sky Singers Christmas Concerts Hear the Bells, at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, located at 1930 Diamond Rd.
"Come and sing Christmas cheer with us," the listing reads.
The show runs at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and on Dec 15 at 2 p.m.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all! Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar by clicking "Create an event."
Christmas tree safety
If you put up a real Christmas tree, the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner and Squamish Fire Rescue offer the following tips to ensure you trim the tree safely this holiday season:
•Ensure it is one metre from any sources of heat.
•Check all light strings for signs of wear or damage, and always turn lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.
•Never use lit candles on a tree.
•Water it daily to ensure it does not dry out.
Winter Health and Wellness Tips:
With winter upon us, Vancouver Coastal Health released the following tips and resources to keep locals as safe and healthy as possible this season.
- Preventing slips and falls:
Beware of icy conditions as everyone is at risk.- Walk safely by planning routes, choosing cleared pathways, opting for non-slip footwear, and considering the use of canes or walking aids.
- Seniors, remember many falls can be prevented. Stay active and adhere to health guidelines to maintain your strength.
- Learn more about fall prevention at Preventing falls as you age | HealthLink BC
- Ensuring road safety during winter conditions:
- Budget extra time for travel and be mindful of weather conditions.
- Remain vigilant to avoid driver fatigue.
- Equip your vehicle with winter tires and an emergency kit.
- Keeping up with vaccinations:
- Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older.
- COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses are essential for maintaining immunity.
- Learn about vaccine recommendations via the province's Get Vaccinated system.
- Practicing good respiratory hygiene:
- Consider masks for indoor settings and shield coughs/sneezes using your elbow.
- Regularly clean your hands and avoid face-touching.
- If feeling unwell, stay home and limit contact, especially with vulnerable individuals.
Health care resources:
- Personalized care: Your family doctor or nurse practitioner knows your health needs best. If you don’t have one, register at HealthLinkBC.ca.
- Pharmacy services: Visit SeeYourPharmacist.ca for prescription refills and minor issues. BC pharmacists treat select minor issues like allergies, cold sores, acne, pink eye, and urinary tract infections.
- General health questions: Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse any time.
- Mental health concerns: Visit vch.ca/MentalHealth.
- Non-life-threatening health issues: Visit the clinic for same-day care.
- Vaccinations: Book flu or COVID-19 shots at GetVaccinated.gov.bc.ca or 1-833-838-2323.
- Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department. Check wait times at EDWaitTimes.ca.
District dump alert
Construction at the transfer station at the Squamish Landfill began on Dec. 9.
This will cause major delays for customers for one to two weeks, the District says.
According to the muni, impacts will include:
°Limited access: Only one car will be allowed at the transfer station at a time, with limited access to bins.
°Special items not accepted: tires (accepted for free at OK Tire and Kal Tire), large appliances (accepted at ASM Squamish) and small electronics and appliances (accepted at GFL depot on Queensway).
°Invasive Species Disposal: The disposal of invasive species will not be accepted during this period.
"Normal operating hours will remain in effect, but we kindly ask the public to limit waste drop-offs during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding," reads a social media post from the District of Squamish.
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"On B.C. roads and highways where winter tires are required, passenger vehicles and light trucks need to use tires that have the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or 'M+S' on the sidewall. This applies to two-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive vehicles. The tires need to be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm (5/32”)," reads the 4 Road Safety at Work site.
"Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of four matched winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol."
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Driving issues to note:
• Parking on select streets in Squamish is now restricted to one side only until March 1, 2025.
"This ensures snow plows and emergency vehicles can safely navigate during winter conditions," says the District.
"Vehicles parking on the No Parking side of the street may be ticketed and towed at any time to ensure community safety. The fine for impeding snow removal is $250."
Affected streets:
- Hemlock Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Chestnut Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Fir Street - Pine Drive to Spruce Dr.
- Third Avenue - Pemberton Avenue to Winnipeg Street (No parking on East side); Pemberton Avenue to Vancouver Street (No parking on West side)
- Fourth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street (No parking on West side)
- Fifth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street. (No parking on West side)
- Sixth Avenue - Entire street. (No parking on West side)
- Eaglewind Boulevard - No perimeter parking near the roundabout at the end of Pemberton Avenue
- Edgewater Drive - Government Road to Edgewater Crescent (No parking on East side)
- Edgewater Crescent - Entire street. (No parking on the outside perimeter of the Crescent)
- No Name Road - Entire street. (No parking on East side)
- Brothers Place - Entire street. (No parking on South side)
- Britannia Avenue - Magee Street to Buckley Avenue. (No parking on East side)
- Harris Road - Government Road to cul-de-sac (No parking on South side)
- Hope Road - Depot Road to Axen Road (No parking on East side)
- Diamond Road- Tantalus Road to Garibaldi Way. No parking on North side.
- Diamond Head Road - Garibaldi Way to Mamquam Road- No parking on West side.
- Glacier View Drive - Entire street. No parking on the outside perimeter.
To find out more, go to: squamish.ca/winter-parking
Issues to note on the highway
Starting today, on Highway 99 northbound, maintenance work is planned at Alice Lake Rd, from 7:30 a.m. until Friday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The right lane will be closed. Watch for traffic control personnel.
Also today, on Highway 99 in both directions, maintenance work is planned between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd. The work began at 7:30 a.m. and goes until 5:30 p.m. today. Lane closures in both directions planned. Watch for traffic control personnel.
Gas prices
In Squamish, regular gas is going for 164.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar, located 9001 Valley Dr.
In Whistler, fill up for 167.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, you can fill up for 166.9/L at AC Gas, located at 7432 Prospect St.
According to GasBuddy, one of the least expensive places for gas today in B.C. is Kelowna, where you can fill up for 144.9/L at the Canco, at 720 BC-33 W.
The cheapest you will pay for gas in Vancouver is 158.9/L at the Shell, at 1396 E 41st Ave.
