Serendipity.
New definition: deciding not to write a wind forecast yesterday and having it blow 35 at the Hatchery. I would have missed that one.
I venture to say that yesterday was the best day of the summer at the Hatch! I haven't seen swells like that in a couple of years. =)
As for why everyone blew the forecast, well, the upper level low off the coast was predicted to come onshore and turn gradients easterly. Instead, it didn't budge. If I'd been thinking, however, I might have see that a solid marine push would precede the low's eastward progress. Hindsight is 20/20, right? Fortunately, I slept in and didn't make a fool out of myself. =)
Today, we've been forewarned. With .12 in place already, and the remnants of developing thunderstorms moving north, out of the Gorge, we're looking at another lovely day here. Judging by the morning wind speeds (Doug's is best right now), marine air sneaked past Hood River last night. Given that the ULL off the coast isn't predicted to advance, I think the marine layer will burn back enough for the Corridor to kick in by 10am or so. By afternoon, we'll see 26-30 at the Hatchery and Doug's. I hate to call 30+, but the potential is there, with Portland predicted high temp at 65 and Arlington at 85. Upper level flow, once again, is very southerly. Normally (with yesterday being the exception) this favors the Hook (and Doug's/Rowena) over the Hatch. Given yesterday's performance (and a performance it was), I'm loathe to tell you not to sail the Hatch. I'd recommend you check hatchcam.com before you drive.
High wind fills east overnight, and tomorrow morning brings probable Doug's dawn patrol. I say Doug's, as the approaching low sends more chilly air our way, quite possibly shutting down the Hatch in the morning. I'd say it's worth checking tomorrow morning, but don't be disappointed if it's reading 12 at the Hatch and 26 at Doug's. Just roll over and look at your pager... oh, wait, no more pager. Anyway, according to MM5, best eastern Gorge winds will be in the morning; strongest winds camp out in the Corridor/Doug's stretch during the day. Save your eastern Gorge driving for Sunday and sail the Corridor tomorrow. The Corridor sees 24-28, as Portland tops out around 70.
Sunday has potential. I don't like to say that this far in advance, but the colors on the MM5 have me seeing stars. With the upper level low sending a massive marine push and a front approaching as the day goes on, the eastern Gorge sets up for a (I really want to say "meltdown", but I think that's overdoing it) nice afternoon. If you know me, you know my definition of "nice" as relates to windsurfing. Yesterday, for example, was "quite nice."
Monday looks nice as well.
Anyway, everyone have a great time on the water today!
Print | posted @ Friday, September 14, 2007 7:33 AM