Active Incidents

Currently there are no ongoing or active incidents in Whatcom County.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings

A small craft advisory is in effect from 1800 tonight through 0100 Saturday. More information found here.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Conditions look to remain mostly if not all dry through the period with no major concerns. Friday conditions look to remain dry for the low lands however in the afternoon hours there will be a chance for a few afternoon thunder showers for the Cascade foothills; mainly around Maple Falls. This may produce some heavier rain and lightning at times though the threat looks to end late in the afternoon. An on shore push looks to then develop going into the night on Friday with potential for low overcast skies and potential for areas of fog. Drizzle and areas of mist may be seen at times through no major accumulations expected. Conditions look to then clear out through the day on Saturday.

Dry conditions look to hold through the rest of the weekend and through most of the next week with the next sign of possible precipitation next weekend. Temperatures look to remain fairly mild through the rest of the weekend and into the week with no major concerns with winds looking to remain mild through the rest of week as well.

Rivers and Streams

The Nooksack River and stream levels in Whatcom County have dropped a bit over the last few days and look to stay about where they are over the weekend.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today the wind will come from the  west at 10 knots becoming a northwest wind in the afternoon. Wind waves are expected to be 2 ft or less. Moving into the evening, winds will come from the west at 15-25 knots, followed by winds from the southwest at 5-15 knots after midnight. Wind waves 2-4 feet subsiding to 2 ft or less after midnight. Tomorrow winds come from the south at 5-15 knots, becoming 10 knots in the afternoon. Wind waves will be 2 feet or less. For a look at real-time coastal weather and tides you can link here to the Cherry Point NOAA Tide Station.

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.