Welcome to another east wind day in the Gorge. With .15 gradient to start the day, and winds expected to increase through mid-morning, you'll be cruising Stevenson on your 4.2 before long. I'm expecting mid-twenties by mid-day. Don't go just yet; it's only blowing in the upper teens. (Stevenson wind meter: http://cityofstevenson.com/weather.html) Rooster, however, may end up being the place to be today: it's already blowing 16 down there. Go later, and you have the perfect excuse to go into Portland and get sushi at Saburo's. If you've got things to do this morning, put them off until afternoon. Winds will die around 1 today, as Hood River warms to the mid 90's, killing the thermal wind component.
If anyone on this list can tell me what makes a Stevenson day and what makes a Rooster Rock day, I'll be very grateful.
Tomorrow promises light easterlies, just enough for a kiting downwinder from Home Valley to Stevenson. If you're going, be quick; as low clouds crawl up the coast, driven by low pressure off California, east winds will die. River glass won't last long: onshore flow will return tomorrow evening. Kiters will probably be able to sail both 15-18mph east winds and west winds tomorrow.
Wednesday, depending on the strength of the marine push, may start off with a 20ish dawn patrol session. As of today, NOAA is calling for 80-85 in Portland. That just won't allow stronger winds to develop as the day goes on. Cross your fingers that the marine push is stronger than anticipated and the cloud burn off slower, and we might just see a decent day of windsurfing. If not, it's sailboat racing day. If you happen to know how to set a spinnaker on a 41 foot boat, please come sail with us. We could use the help!
You kids have fun on the water today!
Print | posted @ Monday, September 10, 2007 8:15 AM