We are definitely living in a snow globe now, Squamish.
In Dentville, near downtown Squamish the snow is falling. As of 9:30 a.m. about two centimetres have fallen.
An Environment Canada special weather statement remains in effect for our region today.
Expect snowfall and blowing snow, with Arctic outflow conditions from now into next week.
We can expect five to 10 cm to fall today.
"A wintry mix of weather conditions is expected to impact the South Coast of B.C. over the next several days," reads the statement.
Today, Feb. 2, we will reach a high of 0 C, with the wind chill it feels like -6 C this morning.
Overnight, it will dip to -2 C; with the wind chill, it will feel like -7 C.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says: "[the] key message heading into the alpine next week is to bundle up as there is a risk of frostbite, with alpine temperatures expected to drop below -20 to -25 Tuesday to Friday."
Sunrise on Feb. 2 was at 7:44 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:10 p.m.
Winter tires
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.
"Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of four matched winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol."
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Issues to note on the highway
Miller Capilano Highway Services warns drivers on X: "as winter conditions continue for #BCHwy99 along the #SeatoSky for the weekend, please remember to be prepared before heading out."
The local company also warns drivers to slow down before shaded areas of the highway and on bridges and overpasses as these sections freeze sooner than others.
Locals warn travellers to be sure snow is cleared from your vehicle before heading out onto the highway.
DriveBC notes that throughout the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky, and in many other parts of B.C., drivers will face winter driving conditions on the roads today. Be sure to drive to the road conditions. Give snow clearing operaters room to work.
•On Highway 99, in both directions, it is winter driving conditions between Gilford St and Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction for 6.1 km (Vancouver to West Vancouver). The road is slushy with slippery sections.
•On Highway 99, watch for slippery sections between Lil'wat Pl and the end of Highway 99 for 121.0 km (Lillooet). There's compact snow.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 21.52%.
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 Nelson, which saw a high of 6.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 4.4 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on Feb. 1 was Fort St. John, which dipped to -30 C. (Goodness!)
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 6.6 C.
February average water temperature in Howe Sound is 6.6 C, the minimum temperature is 5.4 C, and the maximum is 8.3 C.
Avalanche Forecast
According to avalog.co, today, the alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate.
Problems include storm slabs.
What does a considerable rating 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.," reads the Avalanche Canada site.
The advice for today from avalog.co is:
"Storm slabs sit over a weak layer and are easily trigger[ed] by riders. Stick to simple, low angle terrain and avoid overhead hazard."
- Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, with the last download at 6 p.m.
Tubing is back! With recent snowy conditions, the Tube Park is open.
How to find it: Next to the Wonderland Lake Loop, the park is about a two-minute walk from the Summit Lodge.
"The tube park offers sliding fun for all ages. The tube park viewing platform is a great place to watch all of the action if you are not tubing."
- Cost: $5, which includes unlimited access within Tube Park hours. Slide down and walk-up.
- Last rental: 3 p.m.
"Our Tube Park is open seven days a week once conditions permit. ... Tube Park tickets can be purchased at Guest Services or at the Summit Gift Shop," reads the gondola site.
Current conditions at the gondola
Projected daytime high at Summit: -2 C
New snow in last 24hrs: 7 cm
Snow base at the Summit lodge: 77 cm
Winds: Calm.
Visibility: No wind. Snowing. Howe sound fjord, and mountain summits not currently visible.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here's a couple of upcoming events that stood out to us.
Today, there's 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.
Feb. 5, if you are into wood, check out TWIG, Wood First Wednesday at The Men's Shed, at 38201 3rd Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.
"Come by the Men's Shed and learn about their organization. They will be bringing out various planes for people to use and check out. Snacks will be available," reads the listing.
Also Feb. 5, save the date for Nerd Nite February, at the Brackendale Art Gallery, at 41950 Government Rd., from 7 to 10 p.m.
Here's the line-up for this night of learning:
• SNORING with Chella Bear: Snoring is common, but it is not normal. Why do so many people snore and why is it so unhealthy?
• DATING FOR THE BIRDS with Thor Veen: Come along for a journey exploring the intricacies of finding the best mate as a female Collared Flycatcher (a small bird living in the Swedish woodlands). From pursuing the male with the biggest white patch on his forehead to cheating on your partner and avoiding mating with a male of a closely related species. Or maybe not when you are late in the season and you can sneak off to visit the next door neighbour…. Life ain’t simple for a bird.
•TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICES with Sarah Leanne Hart: Learn a little bit more about what exactly trauma is, how it manifests, and how you can be trauma informed in your everyday interactions.
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."
No parking
• Parking on select streets in Squamish is now restricted to one side only, until March 1, 2025.
"This ensures snow plows and emergency vehicles can safely navigate during winter conditions," says the District.
"Vehicles parking on the No Parking side of the street may be ticketed and towed at any time to ensure community safety. The fine for impeding snow removal is $250."
Affected streets:
- Hemlock Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Chestnut Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Fir Street - Pine Drive to Spruce Dr.
- Third Avenue - Pemberton Avenue to Winnipeg Street (No parking on East side); Pemberton Avenue to Vancouver Street (No parking on West side)
- Fourth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street (No parking on West side)
- Fifth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street. (No parking on West side)
- Sixth Avenue - Entire street. (No parking on West side)
- Eaglewind Boulevard - No perimeter parking near the roundabout at the end of Pemberton Avenue
- Edgewater Drive - Government Road to Edgewater Crescent (No parking on East side)
- Edgewater Crescent - Entire street. (No parking on the outside perimeter of the Crescent)
- No Name Road - Entire street. (No parking on East side)
- Brothers Place - Entire street. (No parking on South side)
- Britannia Avenue - Magee Street to Buckley Avenue. (No parking on East side)
- Harris Road - Government Road to cul-de-sac (No parking on South side)
- Hope Road - Depot Road to Axen Road (No parking on East side)
- Diamond Road- Tantalus Road to Garibaldi Way. No parking on North side.
- Diamond Head Road - Garibaldi Way to Mamquam Road- No parking on West side.
- Glacier View Drive - Entire street. No parking on the outside perimeter.
To find out more, go to: squamish.ca/winter-parking.
Gas prices
In Squamish today, the cheapest regular gas is going for 174.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar, located at 9001 Valley Dr.
Gas in Whistler is 173.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, you can fill up for 173.9/L at the Husky, located at 1441 Vine Road.
The cheapest gas in North Vancouver is 181.9/L at the Petro Canada, at 1245 Lonsdale Ave., according to Gas Buddy.
The cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Williams Lake, where you can fill up for 155.9/L at Petro Canada, at 750 Oliver St.
