Happy Tuesday, Squamish.
Did you take in Squamish Days Loggers' Sports?
Whether you did or not, check out our coverage of the festival!
We have a fun video, and two awesome photo galleries (the bed races and all the action on Day 4) for your perusing pleasure.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says an upper trough over the Pacific will drive a frontal system toward the South Coast this evening through Wednesday, bringing much-needed precipitation and a risk of thunderstorms to the area.
High pressure will start to build over southwestern B.C. on Thursday into next weekend, with inland temperatures warming up to the 30s.
Environment Canada says we can expect a high of 23 C, and an overnight low of 16 C tonight.
The UV index will rise to 7, or high, on Aug. 5.
What to do when the index is between 3 and 7?
"Take care. Wear big hats and clothes that cover your skin. Put sunscreen on skin that you can't cover. Don't be fooled if it's cool or slightly cloudy. The UV still gets through," says Environment Canada.
Sunrise was at 5:48 a.m. Sunset will be at 8:48 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing gibbous phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 85.2%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
It is 11.06 days old and currently located in the Scorpio constellation.
Howe Sound conditions
The water temperature in Howe Sound today is 19 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 20.1 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: Moderate
Spores: Moderate
Today's top allergens
Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Thuja (Low)
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Tomorrow, Aug 6
Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Moderate
Other stuff you should know
Brennan Park closure today
The District says there is a planned temporary closure of Brennan Park Recreation Centre on Tuesday, Aug. 5, due to ongoing construction work.
"Work to the lobby’s flooring will take place over the course of the day on Tuesday and requires using products that produce strong odours. In the interest of the public’s health and comfort, a full closure will be required," the District said on its social media channels.
The facility will open to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Please note there will be no impacts to summer camps on Tuesday, as all camps will take place outside.
All swimming lessons on Tuesday have been cancelled. Customers have been contacted and will receive a full refund for the day. Swimming lessons will resume as normal on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
"It is anticipated that work related to the renovation may require further future closures to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers. Staff will work towards ensuring any further closures will limit impacts on customers as much as possible and communicate any potential changes with the public in advance," reads the post.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding while this work is being completed."
Squamish Landfill notices
The District says the transfer station and recycling area at the Squamish Landfill will be closed for paving upgrades from Aug. 5 to 7.
During that time, only the following items will be accepted:
General waste
Wood
Yard waste
Drywall
"This work is part of our annual paving program. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience," the District said on its social media.
Be waterfall smart
Squamish Search and Rescue have issued a safety reminder to folks venturing to Shannon Falls.
"With the growing popularity of Shannon Falls and nearby trails, we are seeing more people swimming and recreating in areas that are deceptively dangerous," they posted to their social media.
"In the past two days, our team has responded to MULTIPLE waterfall-related incidents—people slipping and falling downstream from pools or edges near the falls. Some suffering various degrees of injuries; including one who was incredibly lucky to escape unharmed.
"Shannon Falls is beautiful—but it is also powerful and unpredictable. Even calm-looking water above the falls can hide strong undercurrents. Rocks and logs are EXTREMELY slippery, and once you lose your footing, the current can take over quickly."
Heading into the long weekend, SSAR is urging visitors to use caution and remember:
• Stay out of pools above or below waterfalls
• Avoid wet rock near cliff edges
• Respect all warning signs and barriers
• Don’t underestimate shallow or fast-moving water
"Please don’t take unnecessary risks. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—depends on good judgment," they said.
Be wildfire smart
While Squamish continues to recover from the Dryden Creek wildfire, which started on June 9, locals and visitors are reminded to be especially cautious during this dry season.
**Important Reminder: A complete campfire ban is in effect across our region due to heightened wildfire risk this summer season.
Currently, on Aug. 5, the fire danger rating in our region is 5, or extreme.
According to the provincial wildfire service, a high rating means, "extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires."
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
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.
Be bear aware
Black bears are definitely out and about in Squamish right now.
For our beloved tourists visiting, here are some tips to be more bear aware in our region:
Do not leave backpacks or attractants unattended. Prior bear activity included a bear taking unattended backpacks from bouldering areas, the base of climbing routes, and along the hiking trails in the park.
Store attractants in vehicles or in provided bear caches if leaving items unattended for any period.
Campers should not leave any attractants in their tents and should cook meals in the provided cooking shelter areas.
Any park visitor who leaves attractants unattended may have these items confiscated and may be evicted from the park.
All park users recreating in bear country are encouraged to travel in groups and to carry bear spray.
Please report bear sightings to the park operator on site and / or the RAPP Line (1-877-952-7277).
Water restrictions
Water restrictions have been in effect since May 1.
The muni has set Stage 1 outdoor water use restrictions.
Stage 1 means lawn watering is limited to two days per week.
"In the summer months, water consumption nearly doubles. The outdoor water use restrictions are in place to effectively manage the supply and demand of water across the community during the warmer months," the District said in a social media post.
Locals with even-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday.
Locals with odd addresses water on Thursday and Sunday.
Watering can take place from 4 to 10 a.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m.
Permits may allow additional watering of newly seeded lawns and new sod. Call the Public Works office at 604-815-6868 for more on those permits.
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.
Chipper days!
Squamish FireSmart is hosting Chipper Days for the 2025 wildfire season.
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 ⬇️.
