Happy Saturday, Squamish!
Sunrise this morning was at 7:11 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:29 p.m.
Squamish meteorologist, Jason Ross, tells The Squamish Chief that the weather pattern will remain active this weekend.
Today, we can expect it to be mainly cloudy, with the sun peeking through at times.
We will see a high of 8 C today and a low of 4 overnight.
The next frontal system will arrive tonight, Ross says, with a “potent atmospheric river” aiming for the region Sunday into Monday, with a steady push of moisture onto the B.C. coast with soaring freezing levels. (Oh, goody!)
Freezing Levels:
•Rising to nearly 1,300 metres by Saturday afternoon.
•Near 800 m Sunday morning, rising to nearly 2,000 m Sunday night into Monday.
Precipitation:
Saturday: Nil
Sunday: 20 to 30 centimetres over the high alpine
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 Monday, 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 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, 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, 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.
In Pemberton, petrol is 179.9/L at Petro Canada, located at 1440 Portage Rd.
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.
Moon phase
The moon is in its last quarter phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 47%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Sagittarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spots in all of B.C. were Osoyoos and Ashcroft, which saw a high of 14.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 9.8 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 21 was Fort Nelson, which dipped to -21.5 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 for our region is considerable the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate, according to Avalanche Canada.
"Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface. Human-triggered avalanches remain likely."
But 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 include storm slabs.
The advice for today:
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- 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
•Tonight, there's a Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, located at 38157 2 Ave, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
"Join Arrow Wood Games for an evening of fun, games and social connections. The Event Host will carefully select the perfect games for the group while fostering a fun and positive environment. No prior game knowledge or experience is necessary," reads the listing.
•Also tonight, go country with Country Night with The Unbranded, at Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Grab your cowboy boots and get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and good old-fashioned country vibes," 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."
