preparedness

A series of storms will travel along the BC Coast this weekend. Given the forecast storm trajectories, Environment Canada is anticipated warning level winds from the South Coast up to Haida Gwaii and the North Coast. With a deep low pressure system brewing in the Gulf of Alaska and a strong ridge of high pressure building over Alberta, the resulting pressure gradient will produce strong to extreme outflow winds through the mainland valleys and inlets of the Central and North Coasts.

Moderate rain will also accompany the passage of the storms but is currently expected to remain below warning criteria. Snow levels will hover between 1000 and 1500m along the coast so we are not expecting these storms to produce any snow near sea level. There is however a risk of freezing rain through the North Coast inlets as incoming moisture clashes with cold outflow conditions. A calmer and drier weather pattern is expected beginning Tuesday.

If you have any questions about our preparedness plans for Anacla, please contact Amelia Vos (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) at 1.888.644.4555 / 250.728.3414

Weather Event Impacts:

Potential for tree damage, power outages and disruptions to marine travel.

Weather Event Estimated Start Time and Duration:

Saturday through Monday.

Confidence Level:

Moderate! There is relatively good agreement between the various weather models for the general pattern through the weekend. As always, the exact timing and details of each of these storms remains a challenge. Forecast certainty will increase with the approaching storms so please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings as they will most likely change.

Recommendations:

Prepare for potential power outages. The marine community is encouraged to consider alternate plans over the weekend. Monitor forecasts and alerts for updates.

Wind Warning Criteria:

North Vancouver Island, Central Coast, North Coast, Haida Gwaii: 90km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 110km/h or more
West Vancouver Island: 80km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 100km/h or more
Remainder of BC: 70km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 90km/h or more

For updates and alerts:

Environment Canada Forecasts: http://www.weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=BC

Environment Canada Alerts: http://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc

Environment Canada Weather Blog: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

Source: Matt MacDonald

Acting Warning Preparedness Meteorologist

Prediction and Services Directorate – Operations West

Meteorological Services of Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada

401 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S5

(604) 664-9264

matt.macdonald@ec.gc.ca

Tsunami debris is a danger to wildlife. As it was originally submerged in the marine environment (e.g. docks and ships), it can contain coastal aquatic invasive species. There is also terrestrial origin debris such as electrical goods, clothes and door frames. None of us would like to be exposed to these! Give us a hand, then!

Amelia Vos, Environmental Technician, is happy to announce that Huu-ay-aht will be participating in the Tsunami Debris Cleanup Event of Edward King and Diana Island. Staff, Anacla residents and Huu-ay-aht citizens are invited to volunteer with the Marine Station students. This is an excellent time to showcase the values of our Nation by working together to keep our coastal ecosystems clean and healthy.

Join us on November 12^th and 13^th, from 10 am to 2 pm, on the islands mentioned above, which are part of Huu-ay-aht’s Traditional Territory. Every participant will get a complimentary t-shirt, lunch and beverages. Contact Amelia now via email (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) or call her at 1-888-644-4555 or 250-728-3414 to register.

Click on the image to download some historical facts on tsunamis in this country:

Source: Catalyst for Science

James Spencer, Registered Professional Biologist who currently manages JAS Projects as an Environmental and Economic Development Consultant, and Amelia received a contract through the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) to coordinate tsunami debris cleanups in all the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. So far, they have organized two successful cleanups with Toquaht and Uchucklesaht First Nations (UFN). They will continue to coordinate with Tseshaht, UFN, Hesquiat, Ahousaht, and Ditidaht. To guarantee the continuity of this project, local First Nations must support the initiative.

One of the main objectives is to raise awareness on how to respond to marine and tsunami debris in and on coastal territory. Huu-ay-aht First Nations looks forward to working with its neighbours to get stronger and more in touch with nature as our ancestors taught us.