Happy Monday, Squamish.
Local meteorologist Jason Ross tells The Squamish Chief a weak upper low will bring scattered showers and cooler temperatures to the south coast today. An upper trough will remain over the area through the middle of the week, with unsettled conditions.
A ridge of high pressure will build later in the week and into the weekend for drier and warmer conditions across the south coast, Ross adds.
Today, March 31, we will see a high of 12 C and an overnight low of 2 C, according to Environment Canada.
(Sunrise this morning was at 6:52 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:43 p.m.)
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Hope, which saw a high of 19 C, according to Environment Canada data.
Hope was also the hot spot in all of Canada.
The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 17.9 C. (Not bad at all!)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 30 was Fort Nelson (again!), which dipped to -11.8 C.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 7.45%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today, this last day of March, is 8.2 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 moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low.
"Reactive storm slabs are expected at treeline and above. Stick to conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability."
"Avalanche problems and snow conditions vary with aspect and elevation. Be prepared to shift plans based on observed conditions."
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Last day winter tires are required by law
Today, March 31, is the last day drivers are legally required to have winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M + S (mud and snow symbol) installed to travel the Sea to Sky Highway. However, in many parts of B.C. and Canada, winter conditions continue, so they may be your safest bet if you are hitting the road.
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, northbound, there's bridge maintenance between Brunswick Beach Rd and Porteau Cove Rd (Lions Bay), until Tuesday, April 1. Expect to encounter the work from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The right lane is blocked.
•On Highway 99, road sweeping (shoulder maintenance) is underway between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Alice Lake Rd for 54.0 km (West Vancouver to Squamish), until Friday, April 4. Work is underway from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.
•On Highway 99, northbound, electrical maintenance is planned between Scott Cres and Cleveland Ave (Squamish), starting Monday, April 7 until Friday, May 2. The right turn lane will be closed. The shoulder will be closed.
•On Highway 99, northbound, construction work is planned between Scott Cres and Cleveland Ave (Squamish), starting May 2 until May 16 at 5:30 p.m. The work will last from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The right turn lane will be closed. The shoulder will be closed. Work to end by 12 p.m. on Fridays. A pedestrian detour will be available.
•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, westbound, watch for utility work between Cayoosh Park rd and Ainsworth rd 1 km south of Lillooet, until Monday, April 14. The work is set to be underway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect. 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 Park for 5.6 km (37 to 43 km north of Lillooet), until today , March 31. Work is underway until 4 p.m. Single lane alternating traffic will be in place. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
See more at DriveBC.
Work to start in Valleycliffe
The District has announced that starting April 7, FortisBC will begin preparing a temporary construction laydown yard northeast of Valleycliffe.
This is work for the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project
Crews will be clearing vegetation and trees at the temporary construction laydown yard.
Clearing works will generally happen from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
There may be minor traffic delays on the nearby Forest Service Roads to allow large trucks.
For more information, click here.
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.
In Pemberton, gas is 179.9/L at most stations.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 146.9/L, can be found in Green Mountain (located out in the Nanaimo Lakes area on Vancouver Island) at the Gen7 Fuel Station located at 101 Green Mountain Rd.
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 ⬇️.
