The Gorge is my Gym

I was quite surprised when I woke up this morning and the predicted overnight frontal passage didn’t follow the predictions. We’re still waiting on it, and that’s why the wind is only in the low twenties this morning.

So, a weak front is headed our way, pulling in clouds and setting up a windy day. The early morning cloud line was somewhere west of Hood River (but the sunrise was lovely), the gradient was a respectable .08, and winds were blowing in the low 20’s at the Hatch at Dawn. Best wind today will be at the Hatchery and Spit early, in the 22-26 range, filling in at Stevenson, Mosier and Doug’s, oh, and Rick’s favorite, Avery, this afternoon with 24-27 as the front slides overhead. I do think there’s an outside chance of stronger wind… just depends what the front does.

Tomorrow looks glassy in the Gorge as high pressure settles in. As high pressure strengthens on Thursday, and low pressure settles in at the coast, east winds pick up into the low to mid twenties.

Speaking of the coast, there’s a killer west swell headed our way. It’s going to be 8 feet or better at 11 seconds or more for the next five days at least, so surf surfari time is now. Winds will be 10 to 15 knots or less , so protected surf spots are going to be epic. It’s hard to tell if there’s going to be enough wind for kiting out there, so if you’re headed out, just throw everything in the car. You lucky kiters with your tiny gear@

If you’re staying here, remember the Wild and Scenic Environmental film festival at Springhouse cellars starting tomorrow, the Bigfoot Bash and Bounty in Home Valley on Friday and Saturday, Pacific Crest trail days in Cascade Locks on Saturday.

Wahtever you do today, have an awesome day!

Good morning everyone!

We’re in between systems today as weak high pressure holds over the Northwest. That’s kicked the marine clouds back west of the Gorge and flattened gradients today. As a temperature differential builds between Portland and The Dalles this afternoon, we’ll see some light thermals from Stevenson down to Mosier. Strongest winds will be at Stevenson and the Hatchery, in the 16-19 range late this afternoon.

A weak front approaches the coast this evening, probably too late to influence the wind before dark. But it will push marine clouds back into Portland tomorrow, setting up another windy day in the Gorge. It’s looking like mid-twenties is the call on Tuesday, probably east of Hood River, but definitely blowing all day long. At this point, tomorrow looks like the windiest day of the week, so clear your schedule if you can.

High pressure returns on Wednesday and Thursday, for lighter wind day in the Gorge. It’s hard to tell this early just how light, but at best, it’s looking like we’ll see wind for big kites and sails.

Since you’re not going to be too tired from windsurfing or kiting tonight, join one of Mountain View Cycles’ two bike rides. The first is a competitive, super fast ride leaving the shop at 5pm. The second ride is the alternative ride, leaving the shop at 6:15 and heading to the Thirsty Woman in Mosier. For the alternative ride, there’s no spandex or clipless pedals allowed, and lights are highly recommended. It’s super fun, and you should really come along.

Have a great day today!

Temira