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Squamish today: Blue-green algae warning issued for Alice Lake Provincial Park

Visitors to Alice Lake Provincial Park are being warned about the presence of blue-green algae, which can pose health risks upon contact.

Happy Monday, Squamish.

Here's your roundup of things you should know on Aug. 25, 2025.

Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a ridge of high pressure will dominate the region, leading to hot and dry conditions across southwestern B.C. at the beginning of this week.

"The high-pressure ridge will start to break down towards next weekend, with temperatures gradually decreasing as an onshore flow strengthens and an upper trough offshore deepens. The upper trough offshore will bring cooler, cloudier conditions next weekend, with a chance of precipitation," he said. 

For Aug. 25, we will see a high of 31 C, except 27 C near the water. Tonight it will dip down to 15 C.

It will be mainly sunny on Tuesday, with a high of 30 C and an overnight low of 16 C.

Wednesday will be cloudy with a high of 29 C, dipping to 17 C overnight. 

For Thursday, expect a mix of sun and cloud, but still warm at 27 C, dropping to 15 C at night. 

Friday, we are back to the sun and a high of 28 C.

Moon phase

The moon is in its waxing crescent phase, meaning slowly getting bigger.

The moon's illumination is currently 7.4%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.

It is 2.6 days old and currently located in the Virgo constellation.

Howe Sound conditions

The water temperature in Howe Sound today is 17 C at the Halibut Bank buoy, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

However, this may not reflect nearshore water temperatures closer to Squamish.

The source seatemperature.info says Squamish's water temp in Howe Sound is 17.1 C, based on 10 years of data. 

(If you have a better daily Howe Sound water temperature source, email us: [email protected].)

Allergens

According to Aerobiology Research Laboratories data, this is the pollen situation in our region:

Today

Pollen: Low
Spores: Moderate

Today's top allergens:

True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Boxelder, Maple (None)

Tomorrow Aug. 26

Pollen: Low
Spores: Moderate

Tomorrow's top allergens: 

True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Boxelder, Maple (None)

Aug. 27

Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Moderate

Other stuff you should know

Government image of the algae.
Government image of the algae. | BC Government

Watch for blue-green algae

The province is warning visitors to Alice Lake Provincial Park to be on the look-out for blue-green algae. 

"While these are natural, it’s best to avoid direct contact with them as exposure to some algae species can result in health concerns," reads a provincial warning put out on Aug. 21.

"Recently, several floating clusters of algae have been noted on the lake surface. These have a jelly-like appearance, with colours ranging from bluish green to purple. These clusters may be found on the water’s surface, below the surface in shallow areas, or along the shoreline."

If you come into contact with one, it is advised you rinse off with clean water from a tap.

"The lake water is not recommended for drinking. Please use potable water for drinking and rinsing, which can be accessed from standpipes, drinking fountains and/or washrooms throughout the park."

Annual pool closure

The District has announced that the annual Brennan Park Recreation Centre pool maintenance shutdown begins Sept. 3.  

Aquatics programs and lessons will start again on Oct. 11.  

"During the shutdown, maintenance works are completed to ensure the longevity of the Aquatic Centre and to help prevent larger, more costly problems from occurring in the future. This year's shutdown has been extended in order to complete work related to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre renovation project," reads the District alert. 

Stage 2 water conservation begins

The District of Squamish  implemented Stage 2 water restrictions as of Aug. 18, due to current reservoir levels.

Even with the rain we have had, it was not enough to significantly bolster the water supply.

Stage 2 divides the community into seven areas, and provides each area with ONE day between specific times upon which they can water with a sprinkler:

💧Monday - Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill, Sea and Sky

💧Tuesday - Downtown

💧Wednesday - Dentville, Business Park, North Yards

💧Thursday - Loggers Lane East, University Heights

💧Friday - Garibaldi Highlands

💧Saturday - Garibaldi Estates

💧Sunday - Brackendale

Even addresses: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Odd addresses: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"This year we have moved to Stage 2 one month later than previous years! Thank you Squamish for your continued efforts and support in being waterwise," said the District in a social media post.

Learn more at squamish.ca/water.

Britannia Beach and Furry Creek water restrictions

Watering restrictions are also in effect for Britannia Beach and Furry Creek as of June 1, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) announced in its newsletter.

Britannia Beach and Furry Creek water system users are asked to limit their use of water for sprinkling and irrigation to the following times:

  • 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Be wildfire smart

**Important Reminder: A complete campfire ban is in effect across our region due to heightened wildfire risk this summer season.

Currently, on Aug. 25, the fire danger rating in our region is 4, or high.

According to the provincial wildfire service,  a high rating means that "forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted."

The BC Wildfire Service notes that over the three long weekends of this summer, the Wildfire Prevention Ambassador Program, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Land Guardians, and Natural Resource Officers are activating an information kiosk at the entrance to the Upper Squamish Valley Forest Service Road.

Representatives will be sharing messages about safe use of open fire, campfire prohibitions, how to report suspected illegal activities, and more.

"The BC Wildfire Service Fire Wardens and Squamish Nation Land Guardians will increase patrols in the Valley for prevention, detection, and reporting of wildfires and illegal activities," the post reads. "The Conservation Officer Service will also be deployed for environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship and public safety."

They were out over B.C. Day long weekend and will be out in force from Friday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Aug. 31.

Conservation Officers Service crews have also been actively patrolling for illegal campfires and ticketed multiple people last weekend.

Auditors checking totes

The District has alerted folks who receive curbside collection for your garbage, organics and recycling that they may see auditors checking their recycling totes through the summer.

"Their goal is to identify misplaced materials and provide feedback to residents by leaving a feedback tag on your tote," reads the District post to its social media.

The muni says questions can be directed via email to [email protected].

If you are not sure where an item goes, check the Waste Wizard at squamish.ca/wastewizard.

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).

Live view of the Stawamus Chief  ⬇️.