First things first: after being fully closed in both directions all day yesterday due to an avalanche that blocked the road, the Duffey at Highway 99 and Duffey Lake is now reopened.
Miller Capilano says drivers should "expect intermittent 20 minute closures throughout the day for avalanche control."
Ok, on to the weather.
Did you hear that thunder last night and then see the bright lightning?
It was in the forecast yesterday, and followed through.
Remember, "if thunder roars, get indoors." (More on lightning here.)
According to Environment Canada, we can expect showers ending near noon today, and then clouds.
We will see a high of 11 C today and a low of 4 C overnight.
Tonight, it will be cloudy with a 60% chance of showers.
(Sunrise this morning is at 7:01 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:36 p.m.)
As for the rest of the week, showers are on the menu for Friday and Saturday,
However, Sunday is looking brilliant, with sunshine the only thing in the forecast, with a high of 17 C expected.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Sparwood, which saw a high of 19.4 C, according to Environment Canada data.
It was also the hot spot in all of Canada.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 14.6 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 26 was Fort Nelson, which dipped to -6.5 C.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 4.45%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Aquarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 7.6 C.
March average water temperature in Howe Sound is 7.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.8 C, and the maximum is 10.3 C.
Backcountry avalanche forecast
Today, according to Avalog.co, the alpine avalanche rating for our region is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate.
"Watch for reactive storm slabs building through the day at treeline and above. Strong south winds will load leeward slopes (north-east), building deeper slabs."
But what does considerable risk mean?
"Considerable is the third of five levels on the avalanche danger scale. Under considerable danger, natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered ones are likely," reads the Avalanche Canada site.
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
Highway issues to note
•Runner alert: On Highway 99, in both directions, the Vancouver Sun Run will impact traffic—including a lane closure—between W Pender St and Lions Gate Bridge for 3.3 km (West Vancouver to Vancouver), from Sunday, April 27 at 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Expect delays due to congestion. Go to VancouverSunRun.com for additional information.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, watch for road sweeping between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Alpha Lake Rd for 94.3 km (West Vancouver to Whistler), until Friday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. The work is planned from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Watch for slow moving vehicle operations.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, watch for mowing between Lawrence Way and Brunswick Beach Rd for 8.1 km (West Vancouver to Lions Bay). The work will last until today at 3 p.m. The right lane is blocked.
•On Highway 99, northbound, tree pruning (danger tree work) is planned between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd for 0.5 km (8 to 9 km south of Whistler), starting tomorrow, March 28 at 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The right lane will be blocked. Expect stoppages of up to 10 minutes.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, utility work is planned between Lorimer Rd and Blackcomb Way for 1.3 km (Whistler), starting Monday, April 7 until Friday, April 11. The work is scheduled to last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, construction work is scheduled between Park St and Portage Rd for 0.5 km (Pemberton), until Saturday, Aug 30. Work will be underway from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The right turn lane off Hwy 99 and the left turn lane onto Hwy 99 from existing access road are affected. There's construction access and heavy truck access.
•On Highway 99, there is utility work between Davis Rd and E Lillooet Rd for 0.6 km (Lillooet), until Monday, April 7. The work runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday. Single lane alternating traffic will be in place. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•On Highway 99, tree pruning will be underway between Industrial Pl and Fountain Valley Rd for 14.1 km (Lillooet), until Friday, March 28. Work lasts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Single lane alternating traffic will be in place. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•Finally, on Highway 99, expect to encounter utility work between Smith Rd and Marble Canyon Provincial Pk for 5.6 km (37 to 43 km north of Lillooet), until Monday, March 31. Work is underway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday. Single lane alternating traffic will be in place. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
Respect the toads
The District installed barriers and signs at the Mashiter Skate Bowl to protect the toads that use the area as a corridor.
"Protecting their movement pathways ensures not only their survival but also supports ecosystem biodiversity and function. This barrier will help safeguard species at risk including western toads and red-legged frogs, ensuring they can fulfill their vital ecological roles," reads a post from the District.
"We kindly ask the public to ensure the barrier remains closed when the bowl is not in use to maintain its effectiveness in protecting these species. Your cooperation helps support the conservation of local wildlife."
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm will be temporarily closed now until May 31, the Squamish River Watershed Society says.
"The Central Estuary Restoration Project continues as we install a fourth large fish-friendly box culvert," a social media post from the society notes.
"This feature will replace the current undersized culvert, which will improve fish access and allow freshwater to transfer into the central estuary channel from the Squamish River."
According to a District post, "access will be closed to car traffic at the Fisherman's entrance—yellow gate—with bike and pedestrian access to remain open."
Gas prices
In Squamish today, the cheapest regular gas is going for 178.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar at 9001 Valley Dr.
The least expensive gas in Whistler is 179.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, gas is 179.9/L at the Petro Canada, at 1440 Portage Rd.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 151.9/L, can (again) be found in Penticton at the Chevron, located at 11450 Main St.
Still need those winter tires on
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
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).
