Batten down the hatches, a lot of weather is on the way today.
According to Environment Canada, we can expect a mix of sun and cloud today, March 26, with a 60 % chance of showers this afternoon.
There's a risk of a thunderstorm and hail this afternoon. The wind will be blowing from the north 20 km/h except 60 gusting to 80 over southern sections.
We will see a high of 11 C today and a low of 4 C overnight.
(Sunrise this morning is at 7:03 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:35 p.m.)
As for the rest of the week, showers are on the menu for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
However, Sunday is looking brilliant, with sunshine the only thing in the forecast.
Highway issues to note
•Alert: On Highway 99, in both directions, the Duffey is fully closed, with no detour available, due to high avalanche hazard between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 9.6 km (36 km north of Pemberton to 39 km south of Lillooet). The. next update will be at 10 a.m.
*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, watch for road sweeping between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Alpha Lake Rd for 94.3 km (West Vancouver to Whistler), until Friday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. The work is planned from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Watch for slow moving vehicle operations.
•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.
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."
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, gas is 179.9/L at the Petro Canada, 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 11450 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 waning crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 11.56%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Aquarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Osoyoos, which saw a high of 21.6 C, according to Environment Canada data.
It was also the hot spot in all of Canada.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 11.2 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on March 25 was Dease Lake, which dipped to -6.1 C.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 7.4 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, according to Avalog.co, the alpine avalanche rating for our region is high the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable.
"Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of high hazard. Rain and high freezing levels can trigger avalanches on buried weak layers."
What does a "high" risk mean, anyway?
"Under high danger, all avalanche terrain should be avoided. Use extra caution when travelling in simple terrain and stick to very mellow slopes or dense trees that are free of overhead hazard. Decision making under considerable danger can be challenging," reads the Avalanche Canada definition.
The advice for today from Avalog.co:
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain with no overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
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
•March 27, The Entrepreneur’s Hideout – Live Talk Show is on at Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m.
"Ready for a night of business breakthroughs, live entertainment, and community collaboration? Join us for The Entrepreneur’s Hideout, a live talk show hosted by Allen Edwards of EPI Consulting," 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.
•April 1, there's an ARTIST TALK with Lone Tratt and her Retrospective Exhibition, at the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, located at 41950 Government Rd, from 7 to 9 p.m.
"The artist will guide participants around her exhibit, discussing each piece with participants and answering questions," 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.
On April 12, save the date for the SORCA Enduro Afterparty, at Trickster's Hideout, from 5 to 10 p.m.
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."
