Good morning everyone!
It was very windy yesterday, and according to Laura Green, the windsurfing was excellent. She sailed a 2.5 at Stevenson. Her partner John sailed a 3.0. They were overpowered. Julia Ruthford (you may have seen her name on NOAA forecasts, as well as heard her the Wednesday before last on OPB) sailed a 3.2. If Julia's on a 3.2, it's very, very windy. Knowing her, she was probably not overpowered.
Gradients at the end of the day yesterday were .35 east. That's huge.
Gradients right now are east .40. That's huger. Is that a word? It's currently blowing 43 at Stevenson. You should (or should not) go windsurfing today. I do have a 2.9, two 3.2's, and a 3.0 if you really want to try it out. You may call or email, but please realize that I will then know that you're insane (much like I am)
Here's what NOAA has to say: STRONG EAST WINDS BLOWING THROUGH THE WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WILL CONTINUE WEST OF CASCADE LOCKS THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. SUSTAINED WINDS AT EXPOSED LOCATIONS WILL BE 30 TO 40 MPH...WITH PEAK GUSTS REACHING TO 75 MPH. THE HIGHEST WINDS REPORTED SO FAR WERE AROUND 71 MPH AT CORBETT BEFORE THE ANEMOMETER QUIT WORKING. WINDS AT ROOSTER ROCK STATE PARK HAVE REACHED 64 MPH.
Here's a short video from Rooster yesterday.Thanks to Rich Castaneda from Portland for providing that. He didn't go windsurfing, not having a 2.0.
Once again, it's going to be sunny and 50 degrees at Mt. Hood Meadows. Perhaps today is the day for the daily double?
Looking into the crystal ball, I see the inversion breaking by Wednesday and possible sprinkles next weekend. Until then, it's Groundhog Day. Sunny on the mountain, gloomy in the Gorge, and windy enough to go windsurfing!
Have a good one!