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 July 21, 2021.

A Stage 1 Burn Ban is in 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

There are no weather-related advisories, watches, or warnings for our area.

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for today, tonight, and Saturday for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo for wind from the northwest at 15-20 knots diminishing to northwest 10-15 knots early this afternoon then increasing to northwest 15-25 knots this evening.  Wind diminishing to northwest 5-15 knots Saturday morning.   

Environment Canada has also issued a "Heat Warning" for the Fraser Valley through the end of the week due to temperatures remaining unseasonably warm.  Note: There highs and lows are in line with what the National Weather Service is calling for in the Sumas area-around 80 for the high and 60 for the low.   

The following comments are from Whatcom County Executive Sidhu concerning fireworks during Independence Day Celebrations:  “For the safety of life and property of residents, and in support of our first responders, I am asking County residents to please forego personal fireworks displays this year. We recognize that the national Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of freedom and liberty in the United States, and that displays of fireworks are an expression of that, however, there are many public commercial displays planned, and it would be extremely prudent for all of us to take advantage of those as our means of enjoyment of fireworks this year rather than endangering each other, our neighbors and friends and property.   If you do decide to use fireworks please, please ensure you are following every possible safety precaution, limit the number and duration of your events and please do everything you can to be safe this Independence Day”, says County Executive Satpal Sidhu.

Inland Weather

As we head into the weekend, we can expect hazy skies from Bellingham to Blaine, to Sumas today, tonight and part of tomorrow. Wind will be from the southwest anywhere from 5-15 mph depending on where you are.  Highs will range from low 70s in Point Roberts and Blaine to around 80 in Sumas. Tonight's low will drop to around 60 degrees. Tomorrow will clear after the haze dissipates and the temperatures will be few degrees warmer than today. Wind will be from the southwest or west for the most part, again in the 5-10 mph range. Tomorrow nights lows will also be about the same as tonight' low.  For Sunday (Independence Day) expect mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s or, in Sumas 80 degrees. Nighttime temperatures will be around 60.  And Monday will be just about a carbon copy of Sunday-mostly sunny skies highs and lows about the same with winds in the 5-10 mph range.

Of greater concern is the fact no rain is in the forecast so everyone needs to exercise extreme caution when dealing with any type of fire, spark-creating device or exhaust apparatus that can come in contact with vegetation (e.g. catalytic convers on vehicles, etc.).  If fireworks are allowed in your area, get out the garden hose and give the area a good soaking before and after your celebration.  Don't assume red-hot embers or other remnants don't exist because you can't see them.  Also, loud noise from fireworks can travel a great distance and makes pets very nervous; find as quiet a place as possible in your home to provide at least some relief for them.

**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; as a matter of fact, the level will drop slowly over the next five days.  

Snow melt has backed off a little now that temperatures have dropped and there may be very little change in river level; still, the water temperature twill be very cold and can cause muscle cramps or hypothermia.  Additionally, there is quite a bit of turbidity or sediment in the water yet making it difficult to impossible to see what lies below the water surface.  Hazards such as snags or rocks can be hidden and pose a threat to anyone venturing into the water whether swimming or floating in a boat or raft.  Exercise caution and wear a life jacket.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure over the NE Pacific will maintain onshore flow across western Washington into this weekend.  Highest wind and waves will be found at the outer Coastal Waters and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Winds.  Today:   NW wind 5-15 knots easing to 10 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Tonight:  SW wind to 10 knots becoming NW after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.       Tomorrow:  NW wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Tomorrow Night:   SW wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Sunday:  SW wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Sunday Night:  S wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Watch for a "Small Craft Advisory" for this period.  

Tides

Emergency 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.   

Excessive Heat Tips

While there is nothing we can do to stop the heat over the coming days, there are things we can do to reduce our exposure to its effects.  This is not a complete list.

- If possible, stay in an air-conditioned location

- Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you're thirsty to drink water.

- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

- Avoid using the stove or oven as this will add to the heat in your home. 

- Limit your outdoor activity.

- Use sunscreen if outdoors

-  Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.

- Complete tasks early or late in the day to avoid the hottest part of the day.

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.