Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a broad upper-level trough over the B.C. coast this morning will slowly push east into the Interior later today, bringing a small chance of showers or flurries over the alpine.
High pressure will build on Tuesday, with a brief break in the active weather before a series of systems will move into the south coast mid to late week with additional rounds of rain, and alpine snow.
The freezing level is 500 metres this morning, rising to nearly 1,000 m this afternoon; the valley bottom Tuesday morning will see the freezing level rise to almost 1,000 m Tuesday afternoon.
According to Environment Canada, we will see a high of 10 C and a low down to -3 overnight today.
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 from today 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."
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
•On Highway 99, in both directions, watch for utility work planned between Lorimer Rd and Blackcomb Way for 1.3 km (Whistler), starting on Monday, April 7 until April 11. The work will take place 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, watch for slippery sections between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 45.1 km (Lillooet).
•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 178.9 cents per litre at most local stations.
The least expensive gas in Whistler is 179.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, petrol is 178.9/L at most area stations.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 153.9/L, can be found in Penticton at the Chevron, located at 1450 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.
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."
Pool closure
Please note that the Brennan Park Pool remains closed after its deck was deemed a slip hazard by Vancouver Coastal Health.
The Steam Room is also closed for this reason. The District says it will have an update on a reopening plan today, March 17.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning gibbous phase.
What does that mean?
"The term waning means decreasing, and the term gibbous means 'humped-back.' Therefore, this phase is called waning gibbous because the surface area of the moon that you see is decreasing and the shape of the lit-up part of the moon looks like a hump-back," says the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center site.
"This phase is one step in the cycle away from the third quarter, so the angle of the Earth, moon, and sun is almost perpendicular. This means that the sun and moon’s gravitational pulls on the tides cancel each other out, decreasing the amount of tidal pull. The Earth’s tides at this point are decreasing, almost at neap tide."
The moon's illumination is currently 89.86%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Virgo, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Ashcroft, which saw a high of 13.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 8.2 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 16 was Fort Nelson, which dipped to -16.2 C.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 8 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 considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low, according to avalog.co.
"The weather is shifting, but a complex snowpack remains hidden beneath the storm snow. Verify conditions as you go and adjust terrain choices if you notice signs of instability."
According to the site, known problems include:
Storm Slabs
Continuous storms in the past week have left numerous storm slab interfaces in the top 100 cm of the snowpack. These slabs will be largest and most reactive on northerly slopes. Dry loose avalanches in steep terrain may still be a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer formed in early March is now buried 120 to 175 cm. Additional layers formed in January and February are now buried 150 to 250 cm. These layers may still be adjusting to the new snow load, but field observations remain limited.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4
The advice for today:
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeply buried weak layers and result in very large avalanches.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive 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 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."
