A rainfall warning is in effect for today, Sunday, into Monday.
Environment Canada says the Howe Sound region, which includes Squamish, can expect rain, at times heavy, and rising freezing levels.
Near 800 metres on Sunday morning, freezing levels will rise to nearly 2,000 m Sunday night into Monday, according to local meteorologist Jason Ross.
Total rainfall amounts of 70 to 120 millimetres will fall between now and Monday.
"Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Rainfall warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected," reads the alert.
Sunrise this morning was at 7:09 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:30 p.m.
We will see a high of 9 C today and a low of 6 overnight.
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 tomorrow, March 24.
"We will also be working with staff next ... 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 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."
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, 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, 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, utility work is planned between Davis Rd and E Lillooet Rd for 0.6 km (Lillooet), starting on Monday, March 24 until April 7. The work will take place 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 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•On Highway 99, tree pruning is planned between Industrial Pl and Fountain Valley Rd for 14.1 km (Lillooet), until Friday, March 28. The work will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Single lane alternating traffic will be in place. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. Please watch for signage and personnel.
•On Highway 99, utility work is ongoing between Smith Rd and Marble Canyon Provincial Pk for 5.6 km (37 to 43 km north of Lillooet), until Monday, March 31, 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.
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.
The least expensive gas in Whistler is 179.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C., at 151.9/L, can be found in Penticton at Canco, located at 1198 Government St. (Yesterday, Penticton had the cheapest gas, too, but at the Chevron.)
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.
Moon phase
The moon is in its last quarter phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 37.98%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Sagittarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Ashcroft, which saw a high of 13.1 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 10.9 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 22 was Yoho National Park, which dipped to -13.3 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, according to Avalog.co, the alpine rating for our region is high the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable.
"We expect a large natural avalanche cycle with snow, strong winds, and buried weak layers."
What does a "high" risk mean, anyway?
"Under high danger, all avalanche terrain should be avoided. Use extra caution when travelling in simple terrain and stick to very mellow slopes or dense trees that are free of overhead hazard. Decision making under considerable danger can be challenging," reads the Avalanche Canada definition.
What does a "considerable" avalanche 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 Avlanche Canada definition.
Known problems:
(All according to Avalog.co.)
Storm Slabs
Storm snow and strong southwest winds will form touchy storm slabs. Expect to find deeper and more reactive deposits on north- and east-facing slopes at upper elevations, where the wind will load lee slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer from early March is now 100 to 180 cm deep with January and February layers buried 150 to 250 cm. These weak layers remain a concern, especially in northerly alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain with no overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
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
•Today, duck out of the rain for Pokemon Trade & Play at Arrow Wood Games, located at 38157 2 Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m.
"Join the weekly Pokémon Trade & Play at Arrow Wood Games! Bring your cards to trade or battle. Ages 6+ can be dropped off. Drop-ins welcome," reads the listing.
•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."
