The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning!

6-11” today. 5-8” tonight. 4-8” tomorrow. I can’t do the math on that one, because I can’t count that high. I do know that means epic powder the next couple of days. I’m saving the best of my legs for Sunday, and hoping that everyone else will be tired by then.

If you want to ski today, wait until this afternoon for the powder. If you can’t, don’t despair. It’s really good up there, or was yesterday afternoon. Coverage is excellent. There are a few icy patches in wind-scoured areas, but there isn’t much ice (and I’m an ice-weenie, so you can trust me on that one).

If you want to mountain bike, head to Syncline. Please stay out of Post Canyon, as it’s muddy enough that your tires will do more damage than good. Your tires may even cause more damage than the stoke your brain receives, and that’s saying something.

As for windsurfing, Saturday afternoon looks windy at the coast and in Seattle, but there’s not much going on in the Gorge. You might catch a desperation kite or slalom westerly session late today, but that’s unlikely. A better chance exists for Sunday morning in the desert, as weak high pressure builds at the coast behind a passing front.

Do not forget that Saturday is the Hood River Snow Show at the Hood River Inn. If you’re not there, Pepi, Wally or I will personally kick your butt. Seriously, it’s going to be a lot of fun, it’s family friendly (and yes, you can get a beer, but your 5-year-old cannot), and you can win a season pass, a pair of skis, or a snowboard. $5 gets you in the door, and $1 gets you a raffle ticket (but you’re going to buy lots to support the kids, right?). Proceeds benefit local ski/snowboard teams. Check it out: http://bit.ly/k6yS3

Have an awesome day today!

Temira

Good morning!

Everyone cross your fingers and make sacrifices to the snow gods. It’s 32 degrees at the base of Meadows right now, and we don’t want the thermometer budging, unless it’s heading down. With a borderline snow/rain forecast today (NOAA is saying 4-8” at Meadows), I’ll be holding my breath the whole time I’m up there “checking on conditions.” If you’re wondering, as of 5:30 am it was snowing up there, with Patrol reporting 4-6” of new at the top of MHX.

Keep an eye on the Meadows website for up-to-the-minute wind updates. NOAA is predicting a gale up there later today (which is not stopping me from getting day 7 today).

Tomorrow’s looking pretty sweet up there. If we get that 4-8” today, and another 2-4” tonight, and 7-11” tomorrow, Friday afternoon is going to be super-awesome! At this point, the weekend is looking chilly for you weekend warriors, with even more snow falling.

If you’re looking for wind, watch the desert late tomorrow afternoon for potentially strong west winds. If it happens, it’s going to be close to sunset, so you might have to do some pre-emptive driving. Watch the gradients at windonthewater.com to make a decision.

On the mountain bike front, I have a report from Ben that Post Canyon is actually in rideable shape. I haven’t been over there in a couple of weeks, so cannot confirm or deny that. I do know that Syncline, as of yesterday, was about as perfect as is possible, so I’ll point you that direction for your thigh-busting, butt-toning biking.

Do not forget that Saturday is the Hood River Snow Show at the Hood River Inn. If you’re not there, Pepi, Wally or I will personally kick your butt. Seriously, it’s going to be a lot of fun, it’s family friendly (and yes, you can get a beer, but your 5-year-old cannot), and you can win a season pass, a pair of skis, or a snowboard. $5 gets you in the door, and $1 gets you a raffle ticket (but you’re going to buy more than one to support the kids, right?). All proceeds benefit local ski and snowboard teams.

Have an awesome day today!

Temira