Happy Friday, Squamish!
Environment Canada says to expect rain and possible wet snow this morning.
We will see a high of 3 C during the day and a low of 3 C overnight.
There is still a wind warning in effect for southern sections of Howe Sound, but it is said to dissipate this morning into the afternoon.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a series of weak systems will move through the Sea to Sky this weekend, with an Arctic ridge of high pressure holding steady over the northern B.C. Interior.
"A trough—or area of low pressure—will arrive over the south coast this afternoon, bringing light to moderate amounts of precipitation," he said.
The freezing level will rise to near 1,000 metres over the Whistler area and to near 1,500 metres over southern sections along the coast, Ross said.
"Another system will arrive Saturday evening into Sunday morning, with showers or flurries easing off as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday afternoon," Ross added.
"Expect heavier precipitation along the coastal mountain ranges near Squamish to Callaghan, with lighter amounts in the northern sections of the Sea to Sky, north of Whistler."
Freezing levels
On Friday in Whistler, freezing levels will rise to near 1,000 m Friday afternoon and near 1,500 m along the coast.
On Saturday freezing levels will be at 1,000 m and on Sunday 1,000 m.
Avalanche Forecast
According to avalog.co, for the first time in awhile, the current alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.
Known problems include wind slabs.
The advice for today from avalog.co is:
"A small increase in wind speeds could quickly increase avalanche danger, so stay alert and monitor local conditions."
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
Avoid this trail
The District of Squamish is warning folks to avoid Lumberjack Trail after a bridge collapse near Perth Drive.
"The District is currently assessing the damage and options for bridge replacement. The public is asked to please avoid the roped-off area. Those with accessibility issues should avoid the trail," reads a muni post on Facebook put up last Friday night.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Solander Island (located 1.5km west of Brooks Peninsula, northwest coast of Vancouver Island), which hit 9.5 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high in Squamish yesterday was 2.5 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on Jan. 2 was Dease Lake, which was a chilly --34.2 C.
Today's hot spots in B.C. are slated to be Solander Island and Cumshewa Island (in Haida Gwaii), which could reach 8.4 C.
The coldest spot in the province is slated to be Chetwynd (a district municipality located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in northeastern British Columbia), which could see a low of -34.2 today.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Jan. 3 was at 8:10 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:25 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
"The moon appears to be partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the moon's disk that is illuminated is increasing," explains the US Navy Astronomical Applications Department site.
The moon's illumination is currently 15.97%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 10:40 a.m.; moonset is at 9:08 p.m.
Tides
Low tide today is at 2:45 a.m. (height: 3.2 metres), according to tide-forecast.com.
The next high tide will be at 7:02 p.m. (3.88 m).
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 7 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2019 and was 7.1 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2022 at 6 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 6.5 C in the next 10 days.
January average water temperature in Howe Sound is 6.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C, and the maximum is 7.8 C.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town.
Here's what stood out to us this week from our online calendar.
Today, head to Cheakamus Centre Winter Eagle Viewing Day, at 1600 Paradise Valley Rd, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Join us for an awe-inspiring experience at Cheakamus Centre, where nature’s majestic beauty takes flight, right before your eyes," reads the listing.
Also on Jan. 3, its Back to the 80s at Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave., from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Come dressed in your best 80s attire—think big hair, neon colours, leg warmers, and rad accessories! With a dance floor full of 80s vibes and music that will transport you back in time," reads the listing.
On Jan. 8, there's Nerd Nite at the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, located at 41950 Government Rd. from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"What’s better than to kick off 2025 with learning from three speakers on three fun and varied topics?
* Learning Robots - Rachel + QT the social robot will explore how assistive technology can help bring equity, empowerment and independence to education for neurodivergent learners.
* Nerve Cells - Connor will discuss how neurons (nerve cells) communicate by sending signals to other nerve cells.
* Cinegraphic Vintage Lenses- Alix and Daniel will explore how to create magical cinematic videography using vintage lenses on modern full-frame cameras," 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."
Curb-side tote collection change
The District of Squamish notes that if your regular pick up for trash was New Year's Day, Jan. 1, pick up will be Jan. 4 instead.
Christmas tree disposal
"As your Christmas tree dries out, it becomes more flammable—36% of tree fires happen in January," reads a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) post, shared by Squamish Fire Rescue.
Here's the lowdown of where to take your real Christmas tree now that the holidays are over (sorry!), according to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District:
Squamish Landfill
Daily: 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Tipping fees apply
Curbside Collection
Regular collection days
•Place in organics tote.
•Cut into small pieces (diameter <3 inches and <10 inches long).
•Lid must close fully.
Scouts Tree Chipping Event by donation
Jan. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Canadian Tire.
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.
Driving issues to note:
• 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.
Issues to note on the highway
On Highway 99, northbound, there's tree pruning between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Ansell Pl for 1.0 km (West Vancouver) until noon today. The right lane is closed.
Gas prices
In Squamish, regular gas is going for 164.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar at 9001 Valley Dr.
In Whistler, gas is going for 165.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemby, fill up at AC Gas at 7432 Prospect St. for 164.9/L.
The cheapest gas in Vancouver is at the Shell at 4314 W 10th Ave, where you can fill up for 170.9/L, according to Gas Buddy.
The cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Prince George, where you can fill up for 143.9/L at the Costco at 2555 Range Rd.
