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.

if you have any outdoor activities that requires dry weather, today would be the time to get them done as we have several frontal systems that will work their way through our area over the next five day or longer.  We will see partly sunny skies today with high temperatures hovering around the 60 degree mark-some places will be a little warmer; others, a little lower. Winds will still remain on the lighter side as well mostly from the south in the 5-15 mph range.  This evening things will chance as the first system arrives bringing a slight chance of rain tonight but almost a guarantee for tomorrow.  Low temperatures will be around 50 degrees (+/- five degrees).  Tomorrow's forecast will be rain with some wind from the south with gust just shy of 30 mph along the coast but less inland.  Temperatures will again be around 60 degrees except for Newhalem which is forecast to see a high of 46 degrees.  Tomorrow night's lows will be in the 40s again with the winds backing off considerably.  Rain is forecast to continue on Thursday.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams have leveled off for the time-being and should continue to remain at current levels until around Friday when we will start to see them slowly rise.  Fortunately, the rain is coming down at a pace that can still be absorbed so runoff is still minimal.  After Saturday, the levels will continue to stairstep up with each passing system.  There is no flooding expected for the Nooksack but it will be running higher by this time next week.  Creeks and small stream always pose an unknown as they can be plugged or blocked much easier with debris so watch for water pooling in low areas.  Additionally, culverts and drains can be clogged easily with leaves which can cause a backup of water.  Do not drive through water flowing over the roads, and even if water is standing, there's always a risk of not being able to see the road clearly and ending up in the ditch.  The best advice is spend the extra five or ten minutes and find an alternate route.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Weak high pressure will be over the waters today. The first in a series of frontal system will arrive Wednesday with additional system Thursday and again Saturday.    Winds.  Today:  E wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Tonight:  E wind to 10 knots rising to 5-15 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.  A slight chance of rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:  SE wind 15-25 knots rising to 20-30 knots in the afternoon.  wind waves 3-5'.  Rain likely in the morning then rain in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 10-20 knots.  Wind waves 1-3'.  

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.