Your forecaster.
Random Morning Thoughts
Gratitude Month, day 13: I have a view of Mt. Adams and Underwood Mountain and the Columbia River and get to see gorgeous sunsets from my desk. Yes, I’m grateful for this, for sure. And for the fence that blocks my view of the freeway.
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Mt. Hood Snow Forecast
Ok. Skiers, snowboarders, and mountain folks can now get excited about the Friday/Saturday storm system. Don’t get too excited, because it isn’t a long-term trend, but do get excited for a few days. Today, Wednesday will be partly cloudy on Mt. Hood. The free air freezing level (FAF) will be 8000-9000′, and wind will be NW 20-25 early, fading to 10-15 in the afternoon.
Thursday starts with the snow level around 6000′, falling to 4000′ by 10am and 3000′ by 4pm. We’ll see a few snow showers overnight, for no significant accumulation. Wind tomorrow, Thursday, will be W 20 early, becoming NW 15-25 midday and holding overnight.
Things get fun on Friday. The day starts off partly cloudy on Mt. Hood with the FAF around 1500′. By 1pm, it’ll be snowing, with the snow level at 2000-2500′, dropping as low as 1500′ by Saturday morning. We’ll see approximately 1” of water value (WV) between 1pm Friday and 4am Saturday, for 10-14” of snow. Wind on Friday will be NW 20-30 early, becoming WNW 35-40 early afternoon, and picking up to WNW 40-50 overnight through Saturday morning.
Saturday brings orographic snow showers. The snow level will be around 1500-2000′. We’ll see .3-.6” WV, for 4-7” of snow. Wind will be strong out of the NW.
Now, that sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Keep the long-range forecast in mind: we’ll see the weather dry out through Tuesday, and then, if long-term models are correct, we’ll be straight in the path of a very warm and very wet storm track starting Wednesday.
Plain Old Local Weather
Parkdale, I have some bad news for you. It’s time to put your snow tires on. This Friday system is going to drop the snow level to 1500-2000′. Maybe you’ll sneak by with a chilly mix of rain, snow and sleet, rather than sticking snow, but it’s worth being prepared. For the rest of you in the Gorge, you’re likely OK if you’re below 1500′, as we’ll stay in west flow with this system.
That said, expect party cloudy weather today and tomorrow. Friday starts off the same, but heavy rain should hit by midday.
Gorge Wind Forecast
I know you people really want to go skiing or snowboarding, but we do have some people who still want to do wind sports. Those people will be happy with this forecast (other than the temps, which will be in the low forties by Friday). Today brings gusty westerlies at 15-18, best east of the low clouds. Tomorrow sees an upper low move inland across BC and eastern Washington, for late-morning to dusk westerlies at 23-26+. On Friday, an inland low combines with an incoming cold front and offshore high pressure for westerlies east of Mosier at 26-30+. At this point, it looks like the westerlies will stick around at 26-30+ on Saturday.
Road and Mountain Biking
Yes, the dirt is good right now. And I know I told you the 44 Road trails were done with the last storm system? Well, they came back, but they’re not coming back after Friday’s system. I swear. So get the 44 Road trails before Friday afternoon.
The Clymb: free membership. Cheap gear. Temira approves. Click to join.
Events – email me if I’ve missed any outdoor-related events
Today is Wednesday, and that means you can play Kayak Polo at the Hood River Pool tonight at 8pm. Yes, it’s good for your paddling skills, but it’s more about the social hour at the British Pub after Polo. Love it. Love these kayaker people.
Tomorrow night at the Mazamas Center in Portland, it’s the Vancouver Alpine Film Festival benefiting the Northwest Weather and Avalance Center. $15 gets you in the door and supports a great cause. There are other events on other days as well.
Coming up Friday in Hood River, it’s the annual Gala Fashion Show benefiting the Hood River Christmas Project. Get dressed up fancy and come drink, watch a fashion show, and dance your feet off.
On Saturday, it’s the annual Charley LaVenture trail day in Post Canyon, led by your fearless ranger, Jimmy T. Meet at the top of Charley’s Trail (where it may be snowing) for three hours of work in remembrance of Charley. After that, head to Dirty Fingers from 3-7pm for a bike swap with a fire pit and lots of beer. Bring the gear you need to sell.
Have an awesome day today!
Temira
