Happy Friday, Squamish.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross tells The Squamish Chief an upper ridge of high pressure will strengthen over southern B.C. this week.
Sunny conditions and warm daytime highs of 30 to 32 degrees are on the way today, Wednesday, for inland areas away from the water.
"Moving forward to Friday, an increasing southerly flow aloft will set up an unstable air mass, which could lead to the possibility of showers and thunderstorms firing up over the mountains," Ross said.
Environment Canada says we can expect a high of 30 C, and an overnight low of 15 C.
The UV index will rise to 8, or very high, on July 30.
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 5:40 a.m. Sunset will be at 8:57 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its first quarter phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 33.22%, 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 18 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 19.8 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, July 31
Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Low
Tomorrow's top allergens
Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Thuja (Low)
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Aug. 1
Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Low
Other stuff you should know
No tsunami concern
The District of Squamish posted to their social media to let residents know that there is no tsunami watch required for locals as a result of the large earthquake that has occurred in the Pacific Basin near Kamchatka, Russia on Tuesday.
Earlier this morning, the provincial government cancelled the tsunami advisory put in place less than 24 hours prior.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness issued a bulletin saying the province was standing down its operations centre.
"No zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk. Repeat, no zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk," the 6:25 a.m. bulletin said.
While the advisory was in place, British Columbians were being urged to stay away from the coast.
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 July 30, 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:
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 ⬇️.
