Good Friday to you, Squamish!
Batten down the hatches, folks, the rains are coming!
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross (how lucky are we to have a resident meteorologist at times like this!) says that the first strong system of the fall season is set for this weekend as an atmospheric river is predicted to impact southwestern B.C. today and through the weekend.
"Rain will begin this morning and intensify through the afternoon and evening," he said, "with the heaviest rain expected Saturday morning and early afternoon. Rain should ease on Saturday evening, though a second pulse of rain is expected Sunday."
Storm totals of 70 to 150 mm is possible in the Sea to Sky Corridor, and higher amounts potentially exceeding 100 mm over the North Shore Mountains, according to Ross.
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the South Coast, including the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, Sea to Sky and tributaries around Sechelt, Squamish, Whistler and surrounding areas.
High pressure will build into the south coast early next week with clearing, Ross said.
We will see a high of 9 C and a low down to 7 C overnight, according to Environment Canada.
New Squamish Youth Council
The 2024 to 2025 Squamish Youth Council members have been appointed.
They had their first meeting earlier this month.
- The council of 14, which serves until the summer of 2025, has several goals: To amplify the voice of Squamish youth in matters and projects that directly impact them; to create a series of youth-led projects; to plant the "seeds of civic engagement mindset and skillset" in Squamish youth, and to create a legacy that gives Squamish youth a seat at the decision-making table for years to come.
The student council works with District council, muni staff, and partner agencies.
The 14 members for this year are:
Grant Boguski
Ellie Boon
Melanie Booth
Eric Chen
Auni Dayton
Delisha Dhillon
Zeffe Hatten
Dante Kiej
Theo Parial
Maria Ravina
Bhavnoor Tatla
Rian Waite
Evelyn Webster
Florence Webster
Put your pumpkins inside
It is that time of year when folks want a bright orange pumpkin to carve or display, but pumpkins left outside are a major bear attractant, wildlife experts warn.
They invite local black bears right to your door.
The BC Conservation Officer Service says that "it’s best to limit the length of time jack-o'-lanterns are outside. One of the best things you can do to prevent attracting bears to pumpkins around your home is to extinguish any candles and take them inside at night."
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.
Salt shed on the move
The District of Squamish has announced the temporary relocation of a salt shed from 39909 Government Road to the Brennan Park overflow-campground.
The move is due to the building of the new public works facility at the Public Works Yard.
The municipal campground will continue to operate only for events.
The temporary location will be used for about three years during the construction of the new public works facility.
"District staff explored several sites for the temporary relocation, and the Brennan Park overflow campground was determined to be most suitable based on location, site readiness, access and public safety," reads a public release about the move.
"The site will be paved in order to accommodate the footprint of the salt shed and will be resurfaced once the shed is removed. "
That work will last until the end of October.
During construction, the District says folks can expect the following impacts to the area;
During construction:
- Increased truck traffic and heavy equipment (excavators and crane)
- Soil removal and paving work
- No lane closures are anticipated
- Corridor Trail will not be impacted
- Trail users are asked to use extra caution and be mindful of trucks turning into the work site
- Construction noise
When winter weather hits:
- When we get heavy amounts of snow, locals in the area can expect to see increased traffic, with trucks entering and exiting the site on a daily 24/7 basis
- Increased truck noise (truck safety backup beepers)
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm (Spit Road) is now 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.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Oct. 18 was at 7:40 a.m. Sunset today will be at 6:14 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its full moon phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 97.92%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Aries, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 6:37 p.m.; moonset is at 9:31 a.m.
Tides
The next low tide is at 12:43 a.m. (height: 2.69m m); the next high tide today is at 6:13 p.m. (height: 4.68 m), according to tides.today.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 12.1 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2022 and was 12.7 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2007 at 10.2 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 10.3 C in the next 10 days.
October average water temperature in Howe Sound is 11.6 C, the minimum temperature is 9.1 C, and the maximum is 15.5 C.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here are some events that stand out to us:
On Oct. 19 and 20, FANG-Tastic Halloween is on. Find it at the Britannia Mine Museum at 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Evil and fear lurk in the darkest shadows, for the Halloween season is finally here! Join us for family-friendly chills and thrills this Halloween. Festivities at the Museum run over four days," reads the listing.
Also, Oct. 19, Westwinds Garage Sale at 38275 3rd Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Come one, Come all and check out our Indoor Garage Sale in the Amenities Room- Clothes, jewelry, shelves, knick knacks and other Household Items," reads the listing.
Oct. 26. FRIGHT NIGHT at Tricksters Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Avenue, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
"Trickster’s Hideout transforms into a haunted playground, with spooky decor, sweet treats and sinister surprises lurking behind every corner. Dance through the night as Case Of The Mondays unleash an electrifying blend of house, bass, and tech-house beats that will keep your heart racing. Alongside them, LAV from Whistler will summon deep grooves that will leave you haunted," 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."
Highway 99 issues to note
- Highway 99, in both directions, watch for mowing between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Alpha Lake Rd for 94.3 km (West Vancouver to Whistler). The work will last until today, Friday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m. Slow-moving vehicle will be working. Use caution.
Gas prices
In Squamish, regular gas is going for 168.9 cents per litre today at most stations.
According to GasBuddy, the least expensive gas today in B.C. is in Kamloops, where you can fill up for 151.9/L, at the Costco, located at 1675 Versatile Dr.
