Good morning Gorge sports fanatics!
There’s some wind on the Columbia this morning with a solid pressure gradient. Portland to The Dalles is .07, and The Dalles to Pasco is at .11. Strongest, steadiest wind today will be at Arlington early, and from Doug’s to Arlington in the afternoon, where westerlies will blow in the 23-27 range. In the western Gorge under the clouds, we’ll have gusty 14-17. Rain showers through the gorge will limit wind quality today.
Tomorrow starts off light, but some easterlies might pick up as a system rotates off the coast. If you’re a speedsailor or a port-tack wavesailor, head to the coast for gale-force south winds.
West winds return to the Gorge on Thursday. Also on Thursday, snow levels drop to 3500 feet or so, with about 4-6 inches of snow falling.
Out on the biking trails today, the dirt is in excellent shape. The rain sprinkles we’ve been getting along with the thunderstorms have been keeping the dust down. If you’re a Post Canyon fan, you want to ride it today, as we’re going to see a lot of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, and that will likely shut down post for a couple of days. If you want to ride Surveyor’s (or at least what’s open), ride it today or tomorrow, as that’s going to see a few inches of snow on Thursday and Friday.
If you’re a dirt biker, tonight is the Columbia Gorge Off-Road Association’s spring meeting at the Hood River Library at 6pm. Speaking of the Library, don’t forget to drop off your ballot today (it’s too late to mail it). CGORA also has a work party up at Kingsley this Sunday at 9am. Check their website, cgora.com for more details. Many thanks to Rick for the heads up.
Speaking of Rick, Mr. Rick Strahl returns from Maui on Thursday… look out Gorge! Ad speaking of “look out Gorge,” 2nd Wind’s kite season opener party is this Saturday evening at the Horse & Hound, aka the English Pub. I am not sure if shot-skis are involved in kite parties, but I’m sure there will plenty of chaos, ‘cuz 2nd Wind throws a killer party (and they’re a great shop too)!!!
Boaters, the rivers came up a little bit yesterday. This morning, the Hood’s at 4.7 feet, the White Salmon’s at 4.3 feet, the Little White’s at 527 cfs, and the Wind River is at 606 cfs. I’m really hoping all this rain gets me a trip on the Wind River this weekend…
That’s it for today. Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!
Temira
