Happy Thursday, Squamish
Environment Canada says it will be mainly cloudy today, with a 60 % chance of showers this afternoon.
We will see a high of 7 C today and an overnight low down to 1 C.
Tomorrow, we could see rain showers or flurries, and maybe a slice of sunshine.
The weekend through Tuesday is looking like rain gear weather.
Respect the toads
The District is installing 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 until May 31, the Squamish River Watershed Society announced on Sunday.
"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."
Highway issues to note
•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, there's limited visibility with fog between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 45.1 km (Lillooet). Watch for slippery sections. There's compact snow.
•On Highway 99, again, there's limited visibility with fog between Seton Lake Rd and Hat Creek Rd for 55.5 km (Lillooet). It is slushy with slippery sections.
•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. The work will be underway 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 five minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
Gas prices
In Squamish today, regular gas is going for 179.9 cents per litre at most local stations.
The least expensive gas in Whistler is 183.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, petrol is 180.9/L at the Chevron, at 8110 Crazy Canuck Dr.
The cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Lake Country (a community with a population of approximately 15,000 in the Okanagan), where you can fill up for 135.9/L at the Canco at 3191 Woodsdale Rd.
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.
"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.
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Mount Garibaldi Cemetery
More room is needed at the cemetery, therefore, an expansion program is underway.
Since March 3, there has been forest and vegetation clearing. This will be followed by construction from July to December 2025.
"Once complete, the expansion will provide additional burial options, including green burials and a scattering garden, ensuring long-term cemetery services for Squamish," the District says in a post on its social media.
"Cemetery access will be reduced, and there will be temporary cremation delays until March 17. Nearby residents and visitors may experience noise from chainsaws, tree felling, and trucking, as well as increased truck traffic on Government Road.
Additionally, the Zombie Crawl Trail will be temporarily closed, with signage posted to indicate the closure."
Got construction?
If you have moseyed on down the west side of Second Avenue downtown of late, you would have run into a closed sidewalk in front of the old and new Squamish Chief offices.
It is due to work on the outside of what will soon be North Shore Medical Imaging at 38117 Second Ave, which was previously The Squamish Chief's office.
Our media outlet is now next door, at 38113 Second Ave., where H&R Block used to be. The tax experts are now at 1305 Pemberton Ave., where Keir Fine Jewellery used to be. (Are you keeping up?)
All the other businesses are open and operating, so come on down if you need coffee from 1914 Coffee Company, or to send off a package at The UPS Store—or grab sushi at Manpuku Sushi.
Beware of cougars
Local Johan Brandhorst-Satzkorn says he spotted two cougars on Feb. 18 by the Mamquam spawning channels, on the little bridge between the Mamquam River and the Squamish Valley Golf Club.
He wants to warn other locals to be aware of them.
The District notes that while negative encounters are uncommon, Squamish is prime cougar habitat.
The municipality and WildSafeBC provide the following tips to keep safe around cougars on local trails:
Be alert and aware at all times.
- Avoid surprise encounters by making noise—use your voice
- Hike or bike in groups of two or more and keep children close at hand.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Look for signs of fresh cougar activity, like claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints.
- Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of their kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you come across a cache, leave the area immediately. Be alert to circling ravens or turkey vultures.
- Riding or running quickly and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters. Slow down when going around blind corners and make noise.
- Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. However, if you do encounter cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, females will defend their young.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Pool closure
Please note that the Brennan Park Pool is closed for the foreseeable future, to address the facility's deck, which has been deemed a potential slip hazard.
The District estimates the closure could last for a minimum of four weeks, or more.
"Any 10 and 20 visit passes due to expire during the closure will be extended. Monthly pass holders will also receive an extension through the closure. Staff will cancel and refund all registered aquatic programs and rentals. Refunds will automatically be issued next week," the District says.
After backlash from last Feb. 12's pool closure announcement, the District provided more up-to-date details about what is happening.
"Slip-resistance testing was carried out at the pool by an independent third party on Feb. 11, under the direction of VCH," the District said.
"The report indicated that the tiles did not meet the required anti-slip standards for wet surfaces. Under the BC Public Health Act Pool Regulation, a pool operator must ensure that pool aprons, walkways and floors have a surface that is slip-resistant when wet. Because the slip resistance did not meet the required standards for wet surfaces, VCH ordered an immediate closure."
The muni said Brennan Park pool closes for annual maintenance each year to "ensure the longevity of the Aquatic Centre and to help prevent larger, more costly problems from occurring."
Brennan Park Recreation Centre's front desk will close at 9 p.m. Monday to Friday for the duration of the pool closure. All Arena rentals will continue as normal.
Moon phase
It is a full moon tonight.
The moon's illumination is currently 99.52%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Ashcroft (in the Thompson Country region of south central British Columbia), which saw a high of 12.7 C, according to Environment Canada data.
It was also the hot spot in all of Canada.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 5.1 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 12 was Fort Nelson, which dipped to -25.7 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, the alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate, according to Tourism Whistler.
What does a high danger rating mean in this case?
"Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.
Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas."
Known problems include storm slabs.
The advice for today:
"Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeply buried weak layers and result in very large avalanches.
Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches."
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 14, there's FWD❯❯ MOTION w/ Momentum // Salad Cat, at Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"After a whole winter of throwing the most interesting parties in Whistler, we thought it a prime moment to bring the same energy to Squamish We have enlisted the help of two of Squamish’s most experienced selectors to create a night where light and sound loosen the reigns on reality. Momentum is a multi genre-dj who’s sounds intersect through progressive house to techno, drum and bass, and beyond. Salad Cat is a master in low end sonics with his sets being characterized by deep, half-time, break beat heaters as well as pumping analogue techno" 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."
