Happy Wednesday!
According to Environment Canada, we are beginning a wet stretch.
Today, expect it to be cloudy, with a 60% chance of showers this morning. Periods of rain will begin at about noon.
What is the difference between showers and rain, you ask?
Environment Canada says: "Showers are normally shorter in length lasting a few minutes to several hours with breaks in between. Showers are also convective, associated with clouds of vertical development. This is the case with cold fronts or showers or thunderstorms caused by daytime heating on a summer afternoon. Showers can occur when there is a disorganized area of precipitation over a region."
Rain, on the other hand, is "precipitation in the form of liquid water droplets greater than 0.5 mm."
We will see a high of 7 C during the day today.
Overnight, it will dip to 4 C.
Showers or rain are in the forecast through Tuesday. (Sorry!)
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 on March 24.
"We will also be working with staff next week to determine a modified schedule for gradual re-opening. The focus will be on re-opening public swims and providing pool user access, with swimming lessons to follow," the District says.
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 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
*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), starting Sunday, April 27 at 7 a.m. until Sunday, April; 27 at 11:30 a.m
Expect delays due to congestion. Go to VancouverSunRun.com for additional information.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, roadside brushing between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd (Squamish), until Friday, March 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Lane Closure. Counterflow traffic in place.
•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, southbound, watch for road maintenance work planned between Seton Lake Rd and Lil'wat Pl for 39.2 km (Lillooet), starting Wednesday, March 19 at 7 a.m. until Thursday, March 20 at 3 p.m The work takes place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect. Expect up to 20 min delays. Watch for crews and equipment.
•On Highway 99, there's tree pruning between Industrial Pl and Fountain Valley Rd for 14.1 km (Lillooet), until Friday, March 28, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Single lane alternating traffic. Expect delays of up to five minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•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 179.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, petrol is 179.9/L at most area stations.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 151.9/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."
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 76.48%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Libra, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Ashcroft, which saw a high of 11.7 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 10.1 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 18 was Dawson Creek, which dipped to -21.4 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, the alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low, according to avalog.co.
"Fresh wind slabs will build throughout the day. Be mindful of the potential for a step-down avalanche with the persistent slab problem, creating larger-than-expected avalanches."
According to avalog.co, known problems include:
Wind Slabs
New snow and wind will create fresh wind slabs. Slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day as new snow accumulates.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer from early March is now 120 to 175 cm deep with January and February layers buried 150 to 250 cm. There's still uncertainty about avalanches stepping down to these layers, potentially triggering very large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4
The advice for today:
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- 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."
