windsurfing - The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning!

The snowstorm has started in the Cascades. The only problem is that the snow level is still high, and the snow is like sludge. Windblown sludge. Does that mean it’s not worth skiing today? No, it’s worth it if you have big skis or a snowboard. You’ll float over the sludge like a butterfly on a spring breeze. Seriously, thought, the snow levels will drop as the day goes on, meaning this afternoon could be a lovely time to be on a mountain. Tomorrow will be epic. Snow showers continue on Wednesday, but the day of the week is Tuesday. Another strong system hits on Friday, meaning Friday and Saturday are going to be great skiing as well. Finally… El Nino kicks in with some snow!

Speaking of mountains, if anyone wants to go to Crystal tomorrow and Wednesday, let me know. I am thinking of heading that way.

Mountain biking? No. It’s sludgy too.

Road biking. Same.

Wind forecast? Today looks gusty, wet and windy in the eastern desert. Tomorrow brings higher quality wind in the afternoon, maybe upper twenties to low thirties out at Arlington. It’s not going to be a good direction for Rufus or The Wall, so if you want to sail or kite, plan on heading way out east.

I have no information on cool upcoming events. Know of any?

Have a great day today!

Temira

Good morning from sunny Meadows!

Get up here early and get Upper Heather, Cascade and Vista before it warms up, and then head down to the valley before teh crowds show up. It’s beautiful up here. Best office in the world. =)

If you’re looking for something else to do today, check out the wildflowers on all the hikes in the Gorge, or break out your road bike. It’s too muddy for Post and Hospital, and I’m guessing Syncline could use an extra day of rest too. (Report, anyone?)

The wind forecast for today is for light east winds, switching around to west as a front approaches late today. Next chance for big wind is overnight Sunday into Monday morning. A strong front will hammer Oregon and Washington, and as it crosses the Northwest, winds pick up in the desert. At this point, it looks like the wind wil be declining by daylight, meaning it’s not going to be a good day to make the drive.

If you’re a skier, however, Monday looks great. We’re expecting .75″ water value with snow levels at 3-5k. That’s 6-8″ of new snow falling Sunday into Monday. That sounds good, but Tuesday looks amazing, assuming lifts run in the high wind. I’ll just quote NWAC for Tuesday: “Water equivalents of 2 inches or more are possible, and with ridgetop winds approaching or exceeding 60-80 mph, this should be a very dangerous storm.” Snow levels will be at 1-2k, meaning absolutely epic powder’s going to fall. Teh weather starts to clear on Wednesday.

I haven’t said this all season, but…. Tuesday looks like the first epic Skibowl day of the season. Or Crystal Mountain Monday and Tuesday. Anyone want to go?

Have a great day!

Temira