Squamish , why no wind?

[Ryan]

Are there any meteorologists who can please explain how to forecast Squamish, besides Leopardskin.

The temperature gradient and any predicted wind SW up the Howe Sound and Valley alway seemed to be a good predictor but the last few days have been odd. Pressure in Whistler has been high even with Whistler being reasonably hot.

Does that high pressure on the upper right hand side in the image have anything to do with it? What other larger things to look for? Thanks

#photo

P_e_sfc_color.png (85.77 KiB) Viewed 1255 times

https://ocean.weather.gov/Pac_tab.php

[Slappy]

Here's my way:
1. Tempgrid, look for the van -> squam and then squam -> lillooet differentials, van -> squam hits earlier, squam -> lillooet more latter afternoon link
2. EC Howe sound, look for 20+ inflow over northern sections link
3. Read the full EC lilooet forecast the night before, if it does not call for south winds then things aren't looking good. link

[Alton]

With the exception of Whistler, the overall pressure gradient from Vancouver to Pemberton appears relatively flat. That would be my guess.

Hopefully better tomorrow but that might be wishful thinking especially with the strong westerly in the Strait.

Screenshot_20240906-155019_Bromite.jpg (207.38 KiB) Viewed 1266 times

[Alton]

The thermometer in my car in Vancouver reads 29C ... so the inland temperature gradient is also flat.

[Slappy]

I don't have high hopes for tomorrow reading the Lilooet forecast

Hazy becoming local smoke

It's that haze and smoke that's probably ruining the gradient.

[Ryan]

Thanks, so maybe some hope for Sunday, it says windy in Lilooet.

[Alton]

It's that haze and smoke that's probably ruining the gradient.

I think you're right. Kinda hazy today. Only a little over 1hr of good wind SW 16-20 today on 8m+surfboard.

Squamish_Sat_Sep_7.jpg (174.31 KiB) Viewed 1050 times

[Slappy]

September 2024
Sunny early this afternoon then a mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers late this afternoon. Hazy. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 this afternoon.

This is the sort of thing you want to see in the Lilooet forecast for decent Squamish conditions. So today will probably be better than the last few.

[Alton]

As forecasted by WindGuru (SW 2-3 kts GFS = SW 16-20 actual) ... it cranked today.

Day 32 at the Spit - worked on kite loops early afternoon on 8m+surfboard then enjoyed Nexen swell when it ramped up to SW 25g30.

Watched AltonJr air gybe transitions on her 5m+strapless surfboard.

Windguru-Squamish.jpg (40.21 KiB) Viewed 972 times

Squamish_Sun_Sep_8.jpg (178.26 KiB) Viewed 972 times

Squamish_Sun_Sep_8.gif (24.92 KiB) Viewed 972 times

[Mike]

Watched AltonJr air gybe transitions on her 5m+strapless surfboard.

That's awesome!! It's still my goal to one day do the same - just have to dedicate!