This week’s weather is looking like a mixed bag.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says a frontal system will continue to bring precipitation and high freezing levels to the south coast today.
(The Environment Canada rainfall warning from Sunday has ended as of 10 a.m. on Monday.)
We will see a high of 9 C and a low of 6 C overnight. (Sunrise this morning was at 7:07 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:32 p.m.)
Freezing levels will be near 1,600-1,800 metres today, rising to nearly 2,500 m Tuesday afternoon, Ross says.
High pressure will build into southwestern B.C. Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, resulting in drier conditions, soaring freezing levels, and warm temperatures, Ross says.
An upper low offshore approaches Wednesday evening with showers and the risk of thunderstorms lowering freezing levels.
The low will remain parked offshore, causing unsettled conditions on Thursday and Friday.
Road closure
The District says The Boulevard will be closed between Kintyre Drive and Perth Drive, and parking restrictions will be in effect along The Boulevard today, March 24.
A detour will be in place via Kintyre Drive and Highlands Way South.
Public works crews will be conducting tree removal work along The Boulevard
"Please follow all posted signage and directions from traffic personnel. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this work is carried out," reads a District post to its social media.
Pool closure
In the ongoing saga of the Brennan Park pool closure, the District says the regional health authority, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), still has to approve the municipality's plans for reopening.
VCH will inspect the pool today, March 24.
An online frequently asked questions list has been created to answer more questions on the pool situation.
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."
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, 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, watch for construction work between Park St and Portage Rd for 0.5 km (Pemberton), until Saturday, Aug. 30. The work lasts from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The right turn lane off of Hwy 99 and left turn lane onto Hwy 99 from the existing access road are affected. There will be construction access and heavy truck access.
• On Highway 99, utility work is planned between Davis Rd and E Lillooet Rd for 0.6 km (Lillooet), starting today, March 24 until April 7. The work will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•On Highway 99, tree pruning is planned between Industrial Pl and Fountain Valley Rd for 14.1 km (Lillooet), until Friday, March 28. The work will last 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.
•On Highway 99, utility work is ongoing between Smith Rd and Marble Canyon Provincial Pk for 5.6 km (37 to 43 km north of Lillooet), until Monday, March 31, 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.
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.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 150.9/L, can be found in Oliver at Kum & Go, located at BC-97.
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.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 27.9%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Sagittarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Osoyoos which saw a high of 13.7 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 5.1 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 23 was Fort Nelson , which dipped to -11.4 C.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 7.5 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 high the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high.
"During periods of high hazard, avoid all avalanche terrain. We expect a large natural avalanche cycle with significant precipitation, warming and buried weak layers."
What does a "high" risk mean, anyway?
"Under high danger, all avalanche terrain should be avoided. Use extra caution when travelling in simple terrain and stick to very mellow slopes or dense trees that are free of overhead hazard. Decision making under considerable danger can be challenging," reads the Avalanche Canada definition.
Known problems:
(All according to Avalog.co.)
Storm Slabs
Storm snow and moderate southwest winds will form touchy storm slabs. Expect to find deeper and more reactive deposits on north- and east-facing slopes at upper elevations, where the wind will load lee slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer from early March is now 150 to 230 cm deep with January and February layers buried 200 to 300 cm. These weak layers remain a concern, especially in northerly alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Rain-on-snow and warm temperatures will rapidly destabilize the snowpack, with 1,750 m freezing levels and up to 20 mm expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain with no overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Use extra caution for areas that are experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
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).
Events to note
•March 25, check out the Daytime Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, at 38157 2 Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m.
"The Event Host will carefully select the perfect games for the group while fostering a fun and positive environment. No prior game knowledge or experience is necessary," reads the listing.
•March 30, there's something a little different at Trickster's Hideout. Sex Educator Alysha Presents: Sex Ed Trivia and Burlesque Night, from 7 to 10 p.m.
"Grab your favourite people for this one-of-a-kind event that you won’t want to miss. This hit event is coming to Squamish for the first time! This is a 19+ event, and we welcome teams of 2-4 people. The evening features three rounds of Sex Ed Trivia along with bonus sexy games. Between rounds, you’ll be captivated by sensational burlesque performances from the incredible Cherry On Top," reads the listing.
•Looking ahead to April 4, there's the Ocean Film Festival Canada, at Eagle Eye Community Theatre, located at 38430 Buckley Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m.
"A night of awe-inspiring ocean films! Get ready to be amazed by the beauty and power of the sea. From breathtaking underwater footage to inspiring stories of marine conservation, this event is perfect for ocean lovers of all ages. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean! At the Ocean Film Festival Canada our vision is to inspire you to explore, respect, enjoy, and protect our oceans. Film is at the heart of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour and we aim to share the best films from around the globe with our audiences," reads the listing.
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."
