Happy Tuesday to you, Squamish.
Though the first day of winter—Saturday, Dec. 21—is 46 days away, there's already snow in the alpine.
Squamish's Rick Meloff went skiing on Brohm yesterday.
"It was full on winter up there," he said.
For those of us down lower, there won't be any of the white stuff today, Nov. 5.
We will see a mix of sun and cloud, with the wind blowing from the north at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, then becoming light this morning, according to Environment Canada.
We will see a high of 7 C and a nighttime low of -1 C. (Time for some extra layers of blankets at night!)
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spots in B.C. were Victoria and Saanichton, which hit 14.3 C. (Squamish saw a high of 8 C on Nov. 4).
The cold spot in B.C. yesterday was Fort Nelson, which saw a dip to -13.6 C.
Today's B.C. hot spot is predicted to be Osoyoos, which could reach 11 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be Fort Nelson, which is forecast to dip to -14.7 C.
Looking ahead
It will be mainly sunny tomorrow, before rain returns for the rest of the week and weekend.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Nov. 5 is at 7:10 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:42 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
"This phase is called the waxing crescent because the area illuminated on the surface of the moon makes the shape of a crescent, and the term waxing means increasing. This phase is one step in the cycle away from the first quarter phase, so the angle of the Earth, moon, and sun is almost perpendicular," reads the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center site.
The moon's illumination is currently 15.2%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 12 p.m.; moonset is at 6:59 p.m.
Tides
The next high tide will be at 9:05 a.m. (height: 4.52 metres); the next low tide today is at 2:02 p.m. (height: 3.68 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
The final high tide will be at 6:03 p.m. (4.08 m)
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 9.9 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2014 and was 10.9 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2011 at 8.8 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 8.7 C in the next 10 days.
November average water temperature in Howe Sound is 8.8 C, the minimum temperature is 7.3 C, and the maximum is 11.2 C.
Got batteries?
Have a bunch of old batteries lying around?
The District's curbside battery collection program is on this week, Nov. 4 to Nov. 8.
Simply put out your batteries on your regular garbage and organics collection day this week.
→ Place batteries into clear, sealable plastic bags.
→ On your regular collection day this week, place the sealed battery bags on top of your recycling tote.
That is it!
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"On B.C. roads and highways where winter tires are required, 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 3-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.
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm (Spit Road) is closed until Nov. 15, as Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) crews install a third large fish-friendly box culvert.
"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," reads a SRWS post.
The work is part of the Central Estuary Restoration Project.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town.
Tonight, head to D&D Night at Arrow Wood Games at 38157 2 Avenue from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
"Join the Guild, vanquish evil and forge epic bonds with new friends! This event requires tickets to be purchased in advance," reads the listing.
Nov. 6, head to Wood First Wednesdays, if wood is your thing, from 6 to 8 p.m.. This week's meeting is to be held at 1126 Resolution Way.
"Connect with fellow woodworkers, contribute with fellow individuals who appreciate working with wood. Foster collaboration and innovation in our industry by sharing," 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."
Drive BC Highway 99 issues to note
•On now: Highway 99, in both directions, watch for maintenance between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd for 2.8 km (7 to 4 km north of Squamish). The work will continue until Wednesday, Nov. 6. The work takes place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lane closure in effect. Watch for traffic control.
Coming up: Highway 99, northbound, utility work is planned between Taylor Way and Lake Placid Rd for 0.4 km (Whistler), starting Thursday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. that night. The right turn lane will be closed.
Gas prices
In Squamish, the least expensive regular gas is going for 167.9 cents per litre at Squamish Valley Gas Bar, at 9001 Valley Dr.
In Whistler, petrol is 169.9/L at the Co-op, located at 2101 Lake Placid Rd
According to GasBuddy, one of the least expensive places for gas today in B.C. is Grand Forks, where you can fill up for 146.9/L, at the Super Save Gas, located at 2773 Central Ave.
