COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic until at least June 21, 2021.

There The National Weather Service has issued a "Small Craft Advisory" for the Northern Inland Waters Including the San Juan Islands from 5:00pm this afternoon to 5:00am  Wednesday morning.

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal's office has announced at 5:00pm on Friday, June 25, 2021, a Stage 1 Burn Ban will go into effect in unincorporated Whatcom County.  For more information, see the following site for more information about this announcement: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/381/Fire-Marshal

Inland Weather

The good news is we will have a few days where the temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70s.  Sumas will be a little warmer-around 80 degrees while Point Roberts will be a little cooler-70 degrees or a little higher.  The bad news is that on Friday it will start to warm up considerably and by Friday we'll be back in the 80s and Sumas will be right around 90 degrees.  There will be a little breeze but not enough to make much of a difference (10mph or so).  The coolest place in the county will continue to be Point Roberts with mid 70s. 

**As we enter these warm to hot summer days, it is absolutely crucial you keep the following in mind if you have small children or pets in your vehicle.  It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature to reach 104 degrees if the outside temperature is 85 degrees.  In 20 minutes, the temperature will  reach 114 degrees.  And in 30 minutes, it will be 119 degrees.** 

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal with no likelihood of flooding.  Warmer temperatures will increase the snowmelt and while there may be very little change in river level, the water temperature twill be very cold and can cause muscle cramps or hypothermia.  Exercise caution.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure over the northeastern Pacific will remain in place with lower pressure inland resulting in onshore flow.  West winds through Strait of Juan de Fuca with strongest winds occurring each afternoon and evening.  Offshore flow may develop this weekend.  Winds.  Today:   S wind 5-15 knots becoming 10-20 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1-3'.  Tonight:  S wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Tomorrow:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.   

Tides

6.69Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Fire Hazards

As we enter into the summer months temperatures will be on the rise and vegetation will begin to dry out and with that comes the increased risk of wildland fires.  Now is the time to familiarize yourself with your local jurisdictions restrictions and for unincorporated Whatcom County residents visit the Whatcom County Fire Marshal's website at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/381/Fire-Marshal.   

Emergency Management In The Backcountry

There is nothing better than being on a ridge hiking with the sun warming your face.  However, it’s also important to remember that in addition to the “normal” first aid emergencies, natural disasters also can have a huge impact on your afternoon or weeklong hiking trip.  Earthquakes can cause landslides, rock falls or severe storms.  Wildfires can consume thousands of acres in hours.  Flash floods and high rivers can cut bridges and trails.  The important thing is not to be afraid, but to be prepared.  Here are a few tips for anyone going hiking or into the backcountry:

Do Your Research - So many backcountry emergencies and rescues could have been avoided had the individuals just been prepared. When you’re going on a day-hike or a backpacking trip, know the weather forecast, as well as expected temperature highs and temperature lows. Know how long the hike is as well as how much time you think it will take to complete the trip. Have a set “turn around” time, meaning that if you aren’t going to reach a certain point by a set time, turn around and head back, so you’ll have sufficient daylight return safely to camp or the trailhead.

Know where you are going - Have current maps of the area where you’ll be hiking. Don’t do a hike that is above your ability level. Be aware of side trails that may break off your main trail. Stay on the main trail. The majority of hikers that become lost, wind up taking a side trail that branches off the main trail, leading them in the wrong direction. Be familiar where rivers or streams are located, and know what direction they flow. Know the local roads, wildlife, plant life climate, and possible hazards that may be unique to that area. Know how to use and read a compass or GPS.

Observe - While hiking, pause every couple of minutes and take a look around. Turn around and see what thing look like behind you. That way, it should look familiar to you on the way back.

Share your travel plans - ALWAYS tell two or three responsible adults the specific location where you are going, and when you expect to return. Many hikers and backpackers feel that this is unnecessary if they are in a group. It doesn’t matter how large the group is, always tell multiple people. Don’t think that posting your intentions on social media is sufficient.

What if an emergency occurs? – any kind of emergency!

STOP – At the beginning of a wilderness survival emergency, the most important thing you can do is STOP. First, check on the immediate safety of yourself and anyone else that is with you. Next, relax as best you can. Drink some water. Eat a snack. Survival is 85% mental and only 15% physical.  STOP.

THINK – Assemble the group. Use your brain to figure out what is really going on. Don’t go anywhere yet. There is no rush. STOP and THINK.

OBSERVE – Assess the immediate situation. What are the weather conditions? Is it going to be dark soon? Where is a good place to take shelter? Inventory everything you have in your pack and pockets, and look around to get a sense of the natural resources nearby. What clothing do you have? How can you improvise with what is available to make it suit your needs? Don’t go anywhere yet. There is no rush. STOP, THINK, and OBSERVE.

PLAN – When you have figured out what your situation really is, the group can put together a plan for what to do next. Build your plan on what you have observed, what you have in the way of equipment, what you can improvise from native materials, and how you can keep yourself safe. STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, PLAN. 

Depending on what has happened, perhaps the most important thing is not to panic but STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, and PLAN. And stay where you are unless it is safe and you know the way out. You might need to spend the night which means you need to build or put up your shelter.  You may need to use your first aid kit.  You need to build a fire.  You need to hydrate, possibly find food, and know how to signal.

There are some great resources out there to get trained on Wilderness Survival, Wilderness First Aid, and preparing for your hike – and remember, you need to be prepared just as much for a two hour hike as you are for a two day hike.  Here are three local resources (among many great ones):

American Alpine Institute http://www.alpineinstitute.com/catalog/backpacking-and-wilderness-skills/

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/locations/nols-pacific-northwest/

Alderleaf Wilderness College https://www.wildernesscollege.com/

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.