Good morning!
The west winds are still at it this morning, so go out and get them today, because tomorrow’s starting to look pretty light. If you’re racing the blowout, it is on for today! The 5am gradient this morning was at .12 from Portland to The Dalles, and that was enough for dawn patrol at the Hatchery in the upper teens. Although the models are suggesting winds will back off later today as Portland warms up, I think we’ll still see 21-24 for much of the day.
The fact that we have any wind today is miraculous, because it’s Windfest this weekend at the Hood River Event Site, and we always have zero wind for that event. Head down, and demo all the gear you like for just $10.
A low pressure system gathers off the coast tomorrow, lessening morning gradients across the Gorge. The light start tomorrow will give you a chance to have a late night tonight, or better yet, it’ll give you a chance to check out the swap meet at the Hood River Expo Center parking lot tomorrow morning starting at 7am. It does look like we’ll see a gradual build into the upper teens to low twenties tomorrow as a system increases onshore flow towards evening.
If you’re sticking around through Monday, it’s looking like west winds will return in the 18-22 range.
There is plenty going on today, even if you’re not into the crazy gorge sports. It’s Sternwheeler days in Cascade Locks, where you can swing by the East Wind drive-in for the best malted milkshake in the Gorge. Or, check out Brews, Blues and BBQs in Stevenson today.
Boaters, the Hood’s at 3 3/4 feet, the Klickitat’s at 2040 cfs, and the White Salmon is hovering around 3 feet.
There is also a free food alert for today. Griffith Motors is having a special sales event this weekend, with free BBQ starting at 11am (no word on what time it’s over) both Saturday and Sunday.
Have an awesome day today!
Temira