riding - The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning!

After another depressing start to the day, with rain, snow and freezing rain falling at Meadows, I wasn’t keen on writing a forecast. However, the extended forecast models look nice enough that I’m motivated now.

In ski land, things are wet and icy, at least on your jacket and goggles. The snow is in decent shape, at least on the groom. Somehow it has avoided becoming complete ice, at least for now. After today, the weather looks better, so the skiing should be decent this weekend (please, Mother Nature, please?)

Saturday we’ll likely see cloudy skies and snow/rain showers early, becoming less cloudy in the afternoon a ridge of high pressure builds in. Sunday brings a welcome few inches of new snow, maybe 2-5”… There’s also speed dating at Meadows on the Blue lift Sunday. At first I thought this was a cheesy idea, but I’m liking it more and more…

Monday looks warm and wet, but the weather picture brightens immensely after that. High pressure builds in the Pacific, setting up sunshine and 60 degree temperatures this week. Depending on how far the high pressure infiltrates Oregon, we may see a few days of westerlies in the Gorge. It’s a little early to make that call, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you can get your kite or your windsurfer out of storage for a few days… early season daily doubles rock!!!

Speaking of west winds, I think we’ll see some Sunday as well, maybe 17-21 or so, but it’s probably worth waiting for the warmer weather next week.

And back to the 60 degree temps… I checked my garden soil temp a few days ago, and it was at 46 degrees. That’s plenty warm to start planting winter veggies, so I’m throwing some peas in the soil this week. Yay! Gardening season is here!!!

Have a great day today!

Temira

2/10 forecast

Good morning!

I want each and every one of you to get down on your knees and start praying to your favorite gods, or get up and dance to your god, if that’s your thing, because I need a little help with the snow levels over the next few days.

Snow levels look fine today for a few inches of snow. Tomorrow, though, they look questionable. If snow falls on the mountain tomorrow, it’s going to be heavy, but at least it will be snow. 50/50 is my call at this point. I think by tomorrow night, it will be all snow, all the time, meaning Thursday night skiing might be the best call this week.

A little more snow falls on Friday, and with colder temps, that should be good snow. I think it will be a decent day at T-line and Meadows on Friday. Saturday does not look good at this point, with rising snow levels and a good chance of rain. I need all of you to do your sacrifices and dances and prayers for Saturday. Please.

If nothing else, do you dance for Skibowl, because they are going to get hammered with rain during this system. Poor Skibowl. They have such fun terrain and so little snow. We might have to make a pilgrimage just for the nachos, if this lack of snow at low elevations continues.

In the mountain biking world, you have Syncline, Hospital Hill and Columbia Hills available and rideable right now. Get them today, because the rain over the next few days will ruin the riding for a bit. Mitchell from Dirty Fingers told me last night that he has more riding to tell about, but I didn’t get the details. Today…

Don’t forget that Ranger Jimmy T presents an avalanche awareness clinic at Dog River tomorrow night. 7pm. Free class. Beer is not free, but can be purchased there.

In the wind world, speed sailors get there chance at the coast on Thursday and Friday, with high winds blasting through during the daylight hours. Gorge winds will blow Thursday night, but that doesn’t help the crazy winter windsurfers and kiters much at all.

I almost forgot… Meadows is doing speed dating on Blue on Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a cute idea, so if you’re single and need a ski buddy of the opposite sex (I think they should have a same-sex line too, but I’m not in charge), head up there!

That’s about it in the recreation world for today. Pray for snow!

Temira