It is looking like our weather is going to remain mild over the next couple days, but one thing to remember as the trails are starting to open up is to be prepared when out hiking or exploring.
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.
Active Incidents
Currently there are no active incidents in Whatcom County.
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
A “Winter Storm Warning” is in effect until 10:00pm this evening above 4000 feet. Additional snow accumulations of 12-18 inches along with gusty winds up to 45 mph are possible.
A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect until 6:00pm tonight at which time a “Gale Warning” will be in effect which will go from 6:00pm this evening until 4:00 am tomorrow morning. Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for northwest winds 25-35 knots early this afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a “Special Weather Statement” that periods of moderate to heavy rainfall through Monday will lead to an increased threat of landslides in western Washington.
Weather Around Whatcom County
Whatcom County Inland Weather
Drizzle/light rain showers are expected at times through mid-morning Tuesday before conditions dry back out. A few additional rain showers are possible on Tuesday afternoon/early Tuesday evening, but showers may remain off to the North and East of the area. Looks dry overnight Tuesday night and Wednesday. Winds generally remain light through Wednesday. Dry Wednesday night, but there could be a few rain showers at times during the afternoon/early evening hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, showers each day may remain off to the East of the area over the foothills. Rain showers look more likely overnight Saturday night through Sunday. Winds look breezy on Sunday, but winds aren't looking strong or even gusty.
Rivers and Streams
The Nooksack River and streams in Whatcom County are running a little higher with spring runoff.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today wind direction from the south and southwest with 6-10 knots though the day. Wind waves are expected to be under a foot. Tomorrow winds are expected to be about the same.
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Date | Time | High | 7.38Low |
May 23, 2023 | 0331 |
| 7.13 |
May 23, 2023 | 0557 | 7.39 |
|
May 23, 2023 | 1420 |
| -1.45 |
May 23, 2023 | 2044 | 9.49 |
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May 24, 2023 | 1501 |
| -0.86 |
May 24, 2023 | 2329 | 9.3 |
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May 25, 2023 | 1545 |
| -0.17 |
Emergency Management Tips and Reminders
Search and Rescue Tips
As we have our trails opening up, and while no one ever plans to get lost or injured in the forest, you are in the best position to help yourself and Search and Rescue personnel:
The best tool needed for survival in the event you get lost outdoors is your skill of advanced planning. You must expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. Even if you are going out for just a few hours, pack enough essentials that you can stay hydrated, fueled and prepared for any type of weather. Your essentials should include at least:
- More than enough food and water for the activity you plan.
- A compass that you know how to use. You may want a GPS device, but those sometimes do not receive a signal or the battery fails. Cell phones also likely will not work because of a lack of signal.
- Appropriate maps. Study the terrain and your planned route. Know where you are going and how you will return.
- Sturdy hiking boots, clothes that you can layer depending on the weather conditions and additional socks in case the ones you are wearing get wet.
- A blanket, flashlight, matches kept in a water-resistant container, and other items that will help you survive overnight if necessary.
- Check with the local ranger district or forest office for special warnings, such as fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures, etc.
It’s also important that once you have planned your outing, tell someone. Give them exact details of where you are going, the trail you plan to follow, when you will return, the vehicle you are driving (and where you plan to park) and how many people will go with you – do not go alone. BUT – if you do become lost your most important tool is keeping a positive mental attitude and:
Stop: As soon as you realize you may be lost: stop, stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy.
Think: Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see? Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step.
Observe:
- Get our your compass and determine the directions based on where you are standing. Do not walk aimlessly.
- If you are on a trail, stay on it. All trails are marked with signs (where intersections meet) and diamond blazers or maker. However, signs are sometimes vandalized or stolen.
- As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This is often difficult path but could lead to a trail or road. Again, this could be very dangerous.
Plan:
- Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans, think them through then act on one of them.
- If you are not very, very confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put.
- If it’s nightfall, you are injured or you are near exhaustion, stay in place.
The Emergency Management Daily Briefing is produced Monday - Friday unless an update is required for an incident or event over a weekend or during holidays.