Happy Friday, Squamish!
Local meteorologist Jason Ross says that a frontal system will track southeastward across the south coast this morning, bringing periods of rain for the coast and wet snow for the Whistler area that will turn to a few showers or flurries this afternoon, with freezing levels dropping to below 1,000 metres.
Environment Canada data shows a high of 8 C will be reached today, with the temperature dropping down to -4 C tonight.
"A ridge of high pressure will build offshore this weekend with northerly flow aloft, keeping conditions cool and freezing levels remaining low near 1,000 m and 800 m each afternoon," Ross said.
A weak disturbance in the flow will track down the coast on Saturday night, bringing a slight chance of flurries, he added.
Total snowfall amounts for the alpine will range from 10 to 20 centimetres.
"Looking ahead to next week, a ridge of high pressure will strengthen over southwest B.C. with a strong temperature inversion setting over the alpine."
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Jan. 10 was at 8:07 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:34 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing gibbous phase.
What does that mean?
"The waxing gibbous is the fourth phase in the cycle of phases. This moon phase occurs once a month, rising around 3 p.m., and setting around 3 a.m., sticking around for approximately 7.38 days before going into the full moon 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," reads the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center site. (An interesting site for all things related to space!)
The moon's illumination is currently 87.89 %.
It is currently located in the constellation of Taurus, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 1:04 p.m.; moonset is at 5:27 a.m.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was again Kindakun Rocks (Haida Gwaii north), which hit a high of 12.7 C, according to Environment Canada data.
It was also the hotspot in all of Canada, again!
(The high in Squamish yesterday was 7.5 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on Jan. 9 was Fort Nelson, which was -12.8 C.
Today's hot spots in B.C. are slated to be Victoria Harbour and Esquimalt Harbour, which could both reach 9.6 C.
The coldest spot in the province is predicted to be Yoho National Park (near the Alberta border), which could see a low of -9 C today. (That seems like a weird prediction, given Fort Nelson is often much colder than that, so we will keep an eye on it!)
Tides
The next high tide is at 12:55 p.m. (height: 4.63 metres); Low tide today is at 9 p.m. (0.61 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 6.9 C.
Based on the site's historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2024 and was 7.2 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2013 at 6.1 C.
(Notice that many records were set last year, in 2024?)
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 6.4 C in the next 10 days.
January average water temperature in Howe Sound is 6.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C, and the maximum is 7.8 C.
Avalanche Forecast
According to avalog.co, today, the alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate.
Known problems include storm slabs.
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. Avalanche conditions are considered dangerous and careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making is essential. Small avalanches can occur in many areas, large avalanches in specific areas, and very large avalanches in isolated areas," reads the Avalanche Canada definition.
The advice for today from avalog.co is:
"New snow and wind are forming fresh, reactive slabs. Stick to lower-angled conservative terrain and be mindful of overhead hazard."
- It's a good day to make conservative terrain choices.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
- The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties
Sea to Sky Gondola conditions
The Sea to Sky Gondola is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, with the last download at 6 p.m.
Projected daytime high at Summit: +2 C
New snow in last 24hrs: 3 cm
Snow base at the Summit lodge: 39 cm
Winds: Calm.
Visibility: Moderate cloud cover. Intermittent views to the mountains and ocean.
Avoid this trail
The District of Squamish is warning folks to avoid Lumberjack Trail after a bridge collapse near Perth Drive.
"The District is currently assessing the damage and options for bridge replacement. The public is asked to please avoid the roped-off area. Those with accessibility issues should avoid the trail," reads a muni post on Facebook.
Swap your tote?
If you want to change the size (and thus the price) of your trash and/or organics tote, you are bumping up against some yearly deadlines with the District.
Here are the muni's deadlines for changing your tote and organics collection service:
• Jan. 31, 2025 (NEW) : Add a second organics collection container for 2025.
• Oct. 31, 2025: Change the size of your garbage tote for 2026.
• Upsize your recycling tote from medium to large (no additional cost for the larger tote, but a $50 exchange fee applies).
Find out much more on the District's website.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here's a couple of events that stood out to us for this week.
Tonight, there's Monster Energy Presents: SkiiTour at Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave., from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Join us for an unforgettable night as the iconic electronic duo SkiiTour brings their high-energy Après Tour to Trickster’s Hideout! Known for their unique fusion of house music, funky grooves, and an unbeatable party vibe, SkiiTour has rocked stages worldwide, from Shambhala to Snowbombing. Dressed in retro ski gear, their performances are as visually engaging as they are musically explosive. Don’t miss their epic beats and signature snow-filled party atmosphere," reads the listing.
On Jan. 11, there's Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, located at 38157 2 Ave. from 7 p.m. to 10:30 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.
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 disposal
"As your Christmas tree dries out, it becomes more flammable—36% of tree fires happen in January," reads a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) post, shared by Squamish Fire Rescue.
Here's the lowdown on where to take your real Christmas tree now that the holidays are over, according to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District:
Squamish Landfill
Daily: 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Tipping fees apply
Curbside Collection
Regular collection days
•Place in organics tote.
•Cut into small pieces (diameter <3 inches and <10 inches long).
•Lid must close fully.
Scouts Tree Chipping Event by donation
Jan. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Canadian Tire.
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"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
•According to DriveBC, on Highway 99, northbound, watch for maintenance between Darrell Bay Rd and Stawamus Chief Provincial Pk (Squamish), until the end of today, Jan. 10 at 12 p.m. The right lane is closed.
Gas prices
In Squamish today, regular gas is going for 165.9 cents per litre at most Squamish stations.
In Pemberton, gas is going for 165.9 at most local stations.
The cheapest gas in Vancouver is at the Shell at 4314 W 10th Ave, where you can fill up for 171.9/L, according to Gas Buddy.
The cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Vernon, where you can fill up for 147.9/L at the Super Save Gas at 3603 32nd St.
