Hello Sailors!
Looks like we have a splendid week of wind headed our way. Well, splendid may not be the right word for the wind quality, as we're looking at frontally driven wind. However, three days in a row of potential sailing is splendid in my book.
Models are in disagreement about windspeeds, so don't free up your calendar yet. The GFS calls for the strongest winds to be Monday and Tuesday afternoon at Arlington. According to this model, 3.2-3.7 is the windsurfing call in the desert these days, with Monday serving up 3.2 and Tuesday mellowing to 3.7. NAM is less optimistic, calling for strongest winds - in the 24-28 range - on Monday, followed by 22-26ish on Tuesday. I'm apt to go with 30ish in the desert tomorrow, as Portland struggles for 60 under drizzly skies and Arlington sees sun and 70-75.
I'll contradict myself now.
The upper level low off the coast moves across the state on Tuesday, offering up the potential for Tuesday to have the stronger desert winds.
Either way, there will be wind of some sort out east in the next couple of days. You know how it is this time of year; frontally driven wind (as opposed to thermally driven wind) is difficult to predict.
Wednesday, although a ways away, looks sailable as well.
If you're planning on sailing The Wall, please throw a shovel in the car. Melanie has offered up the suggestion that we remove the Starthistle from the beach, and I'm seconding this idea. Starthistle is an invasive species, and quite frankly, we're all tired of it poking us in the butt while rigging or stabbing through our slippahs while we're cruising the beach.
Do your part and dig up just one or two plants while you're at The Wall, and we might just be able to eliminate this pest.
Don't forget that the I-97 bridge at Biggs is still closed. Make your choice of Wall/Roosevelt or Rufus/Arlington before you pass The Dalles.
Have a great day!
Temira
Print | posted @ Sunday, April 27, 2008 10:59 PM