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The Forecast
| 4a-8a | 8a-12p | 12p-4p | 4p-8p | 8p-4a | |
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| Wednesday 500′->3000′ |
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| Thursday 3000′->2000′ |
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| Friday 2000′->1500′ |
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Mt. Hood Forecast
If you’re seeking a peaceful, sunny, calm down on the mountain, you’re seeking today (it’s Wednesday). Very stormy weather arrives Thursday and sticks around through early Saturday before the sun and calmer conditions return. Snowfall over the Thursday-Friday period will be in the 2-4 foot range, thanks to very strong orographic assistance.
Nothing of that sort happens on Wednesday. It’ll be a sunny day, and a calm, overcast night. The freezing level will be 0-500′ in the morning, 2000′ in the afternoon, and 3000′ overnight. No precip. Wind: NE 10 this morning, SE 5 this afternoon. We’ll see a quick build to SW 20-40 overnight.
Thursday starts with snow and moderate wind and quickly transforms to a full-on blizzard. The snow level will be 300-3500′ early and will fall to 1500-2000′ in the afternoon and evening. 1.0” water equivalent (WE) is forecast during the day, for 9-11” of new snow. Another 0.9” is forecast overnight, for 8-10” additional powder. Wind will be very strong: W 45-50 for the 24 hour period. That’s enough to slow down lifts. It may be enough to affect snow quality. It’ll definitely be enough for continuous reloading of wind-favored slopes. Free refills!
Friday looks nearly identical, but stronger afternoon wind may lead to lift shutdowns. The snow level will be 2000-2500′ all day and will fall to 1500′ after midnight. As of this morning, 1.4” WE is predicted during the day, for 14-16” of new snow. Bring a shovel, or you may find yourself stuck in the parking lot. Another 1.3” WE is forecast overnight. 13-16” there. Wind: W 45-50 in the morning, WNW 55 (goodbye lifts) in the afternoon and evening, and NW 30 after midnight. That’s what we call storm skiing!
Saturday starts with lingering light snowfall, but rapidly turns sunny. The freezing level will be around 1500′ during the day and 3000′ overnight. Wind: NW 30 early, W 10 later. Sunday brings light wind and warmer temps with the 5000′ temp climbing a degree or two above freezing in the afternoon. Definitely not the day for backcountry skiing with those warming temps. Enjoy the week!
Note on wind speeds. Different wind directions are experienced in different ways on Mt. Hood. For example, west wind at 50mph will hit the slopes and exposed ridges at W 50. SW 50 may hit the ridges at SW 50, but will likely only be SW 20 below tree line. Hence the ranges for wind. Depends where you are on the mountain. Hopefully that helps clarify.
Gorge Wind Forecast
If you need a light wind day, it’s Wednesday. Thursday and Friday bring very strong westerlies. On Wednesday morning, we’ll have light west flow at 5mph or so. By midday, the wind goes calm. Afternoon: E 10-15 near Stevenson with calm wind elsewhere. River flow is 160kcfs, river temp is 38F, and high temp forecast is 48F. Thursday starts light and variable. Don’t be fooled. Westerlies pick up to gusty/rainy 20-26+ in the western Gorge with 30-35 from The Dalles to Boardman. High temp: 45F. Even stronger wind arrives overnight, perhaps knocking down some trees along the 84/14 corridor and in higher exposed elevations. Friday starts with 30-35 from Stevenson to Arlington (rain in the west) and builds to 35-45 east of The Dalles. If you’re going for it, wear your warmest gear, wear a PFD, and keep your play buddy in sight. High temp: 45F. The wind backs off this weekend.
Very strong offshore high pressure (1040mb!) persists Thursday and Friday. While Thursday morning may be light and variable, afternoon wind is currently forecast to be 30-40 east of The Dalles all the way to Boardman. Model runs for Friday suggest even stronger westerlies with averages of 35-45. If you go out, make sure you’ve got a partner, and keep them in sight. Consider wearing a PFD, just in case you and your gear become separated or you are injured.
Coast, Jones, Sauvie’s
As needed until next spring and summer.
Hood River Weather Forecast
Clear sky and extra-icy roads this morning give way to clear sky and a mild day this afternoon. Temps will be in the mid 30’s early and upper 40’s later. Light and variable wind. No rainbows. Thursday looks rainy. Temps will be in the mid 30’s early and mid 40’s later. Light and variable wind early. Strong westerlies in the afternoon. 99.9% chance of rainbows. Friday looks rainy. Temps will be in the upper 30’s early and mid 40’s later. Very strong westerlies. 99.99% chance of double rainbows.
Looking for a complete Columbia Gorge forecast? Looking for more humor in your weather? Obscenities? You’re looking for my TATAS: Temira’s Awesome Travel Advisory Service on Facebook.
Cycling
We are in winter riding season, and the trails are apt to be fragile. If it was below freezing last night and is above freezing now, don’t ride. If it was below freezing last night and it is sunny now, don’t ride unless you are under a tree canopy for the entire ride. Freeze-thaw conditions, when ridden upon, result in permanent trail damage. Please consider doing something else, perhaps riding a gravel road in the trees or going to the mountain. Thank you!
Sprinter Van of the Week!
Click here for the Sprinter Van map of the world!!!
Local Events
Weekly events: The Kainos Coffee run happens in The Dalles every Tuesday morning at 6am. There are sailboat races at the Hood River Marina every Wednesday evening. Dirty Fingers has a group mountain bike ride (bring lights) Wednesday nights at 5:30pm. Cheno has an outdoor HIIT workout at Griffin House in Hood River at 6pm on Wednesday nights. There is a BLM rally every Tuesday evening at 5:30 at the Salmon Fountain in Hood River, and there’s a White Coats for BLM rally every Thursday at noon at 12th and May in Hood River. Have an awesome day!
