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

UPDATE:  The U.S. side of the Canadian border will open to vaccinated Canadians starting in early November (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/12/secretary-mayorkas-allow-fully-vaccinated-travelers-canada-and-mexico-enter-us-land#), however until the official date is announced, the U.S. border remains closed to nonessential traffic.  Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada however, there are several additional requirements you need to be aware of.  See Canada Border Services Agency for additional requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

The National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies today with mostly cloudy skies overnight.  Temperatures will be moderate ranging from the upper 40s in the Newhalem area to mid to upper 50s for most other locations in Whatcom County.  Winds will be  light from a southerly direction along the coast and variable in the interior parts of the county.  Lows tonight will range from the upper 30s to lower 40s and there will be mostly cloudy skies.  Tomorrow will once again be mostly sunny with highs a few degrees warmer than today.  Winds will again be on the lighter side.  Tomorrow night temperatures will also be a few degrees warmer than Mondays as more clouds move into the area and bring a slight chance of rain to the area.  Point Roberts could see wind gusts to 20 mph or so as a front begins to impact the area.  Wednesday will definitely bring rain to the area (90% chance according to the National Weather Service) and more wind.  Point Roberts could see gusts near 40mph with other coastal areas around 20mph;  lower velocity winds will affect the interior parts of the county. Temperatures will remain about the same as Tuesday.

Rivers and Streams

The Nooksack continues to recede from this past weekends wet weather and will continue to do so for the next couple of days.  At that point the runoff from the next storm system will start to drain into the system and cause the river to rise once again.  Several weather systems will drop precipitation over the next 10 days causing the river to rise a little higher than the previous storm.  None of them will cause the river to exceed the banks but you will definitely see they are running higher.  If you're planning any activity on or near the river, maintain situational awareness so you're not caught off guard by a rising river. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Weak high pressure will shift over the region today for drier conditions and lighter winds. A second weakening frontal system will move through the area Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.  A third, stronger front will move through the area Thursday and Thursday night.  Additional Systems for the weekend.  Winds.  Today:  NW wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tonight:  SE wind to 10 knots becoming.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:  E wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Tomorrow Night:  E wind to 10 knots rising to 15-25 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 1' or less building to 2-4' after midnight.  Currently, there are no advisories, watches or warnings; however, as winds increase to the 15-25 knots ranges or higher, you can expect the NWS to issue the appropriate notice at some point.

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Fall is a time for mushroom picking, hunting, fishing, hiking and exploring. And to be prepared.....

While this is a great time of year, everyone needs to be prepared in the event they find that their planned weekend in the woods does not go the way they intended, and here are a few tips:

Back Country Medical Kit

You definitely need to carry a first aid kit, and for most people and most injuries the following is a good place to start when you are going out in the back country even for a day.  There are lots of good sources on the Internet to find kits but the following list is primarily centered around patching cuts and cleaning wounds in an emergency:

• Tape and Glue – Duct tape and super glue. Super glue can be used in place of stitches. Athletic tape is great but duct tape can wrap a wound or fix gear so not a bad idea to keep a small roll for multipurpose use.
• Gauze and Bandages – A few small squares of gauze and several adhesive bandage squares are essential. You can use the large squares and cut them into strips if needed. Primarily used for blisters. You could stuff the gauze in a deep wound to stop bleeding if needed.
• Disinfectant – Keep a small amount of antiseptic in case of a serious wound and a small tube of triple antibiotic ointment. Rinse wounds with water first then clean everything before patching things up.
• QuickClot – In a worst case scenario, rapid blood loss can crush your odds of surviving. Hunters and anglers are handling knives and firearms in remote places where accidents can happen. A blood clotting agent will stop the rapid blood loss and can save your life. It’s also easy to find over the counter.
• Pills – Aspirin for swelling and potential heart problems is a good idea, and if you are out overnight you may want to make sure you have any extra medications you may take just in case.

Back Country Preparedness Kit

As with your first aid kit, there are lots of good sources on the Internet to find kits and the following suggestions are a good place to start, especially if you are going into the foothills and mountains in our area:

• Water Filtration System - Most of us understand the importance of hydration, but depending on how long you plan to be in the back country it might not be feasible to pack enough water. A small filtration system will allow you to acquire clean drinking water without having to lug around a few gallons.
• Cooking Pot - This can be used for more purposes than you think. You’ll definitely need it for cooking, but you’ll also need a container to put your freshly filtered water in. And when it starts to get cold you can also heat your water to provide extra warmth. 
• Leatherman Signal - With implements such as a ferro rod for starting fires, a saw for cutting down branches, and a safety whistle that can be heard from far away, this tool will prove it’s worth when you’re in a rough spot. Keep one in your pocket or clip one on to your backpack.
• Compact Stove (with fuel) - The modern day camp stove is so compact and easy to use that there is almost no excuse to not have one. Cooking meals, providing heat, and even purifying water (if your filtration system fails). Make sure one of these lives in your bag and the fuel is always full.
• Trail Mix - Healthy, energy-rich, and no cooking necessary. A small bag of trail mix is a perfect snack for being in the outdoors. Make sure it has a good mix of nuts, dried fruits, bits of dark chocolate and other items to make it tasty.
• Compass - This may seem a bit old fashioned, but a quality compass is still an incredibly useful tool. When cell service isn’t an option, how will you find your way around? A small compass and an understanding of your surroundings will ensure that you can find your way when all else fails.
• Flashlight - Even if you don’t plan to be out in the back country past dark, pack a flashlight. Things happen and plans change. If you’re in an unfamiliar part of the woods with no lights, things can go bad fast. Don’t like to carry one? Try a headlamp to keep your hands free.
• Emergency Blanket - Also known as space-blankets (originally designed by NASA), this compact/light weight item should live in everybody’s bag. The thin mylar sheet works to trap in heat or reflect it making it extremely versatile. It can also double as a make-shift shelter to keep you protected from the elements. 

Both the medical and preparedness items listed here are considered to be the minimum a person should take with them.  They are not intended to be the only things or to suggest that you do not need anything else.  You can find good information locally at:

• Yeagers, 3101 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA  98225, 360.733.1080
• REI, 400 36th St, Bellingham, WA  98225, 360.647.8955
• American Alpine Institute, 1515 12th St, Bellingham, WA  98225, 360.671.1505

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.