Happy Friday, Squamish.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross tells The Squamish Chief that a resilient ridge of high-pressure has been dominant over the south coast for the past several days, resulting in warm weather and persistent drought conditions, and is anticipated to persist into this weekend.
"An upper trough is forecast to develop over the coast on Sunday, extending into early next week with cooler cloudier conditions and a chance of showers," he said.
"Looking ahead to next weekend, high pressure is expected to re-establish itself with warmer temperatures anticipated."
Environment Canada says we can expect a high of 27 C, and an overnight low of 15 C on Friday.
The UV index will rise to 8, or very high, on Aug. 1
What does this really mean?
"Don't stay too long in the sun, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wear your sunglasses (the special UV ones) and stay in the shade. Put on more sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or working up a good sweat," reads the Environment Canada definition.
Sunrise was at 5:43 a.m. Sunset will be at 8:54 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its first quarter phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 53.61%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
It is currently located in the constellation of Virgo.
Howe Sound conditions
The water temperature in Howe Sound today is 20 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 21.3 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: Low
Today's top allergens
Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Thuja (Low)
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Tomorrow, Aug 2
Pollen: low
Spores: Low
Tomorrow's top allergens
Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Thuja (Low)
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Aug. 3
Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Moderate
Other stuff you should know
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.
On Thursday, July 24, there was a geo-tent fire in Squamish Valley, according to Squamish Fire Rescue, but it was quickly brought under control.
Due to the fire being outside District of Squamish fire response jurisdiction, Squamish Fire Rescue did not respond to the incident.
"RCMP and BC Wildfire Service were notified and attended to assist local area residents in taking swift action to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading," a District spokesperson told The Squamish Chief.
(The District is the agency that speaks for the municipal fire department.)
**Important Reminder: A complete campfire ban is in effect across our region due to heightened wildfire risk this summer season.
Currently, on Aug. 1, 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 will be out in force:
Today, Friday, Aug. 1 to Sunday, Aug. 3
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 ⬇️.
