We've had a beautiful run of sunshine at upper elevations - and basically anywhere west of the Gorge - for the last week or so, but that's coming to an end today as the upper level ridge breaks down, allowing clouds to shift into Oregon. There isn't much moisture associated with any of the systems until Saturday, so we're just looking at an end to the inversion (by tomorrow or so), with some light sprinkles or snow showers at higher elevations.
Strong easterlies (but not nuclear) continue today for windsurfing and kiteboarding for crazies (like Laura and Barry and Spencer and John - you can watch video on my Facebook page). If you've river-starved, go today. Gradients quickly decrease tonight, possibly switching to light westerlies or calm winds as soon as tomorrow.
Models are all over the place, but it's possible we'll see another Gorge snow event on Saturday into Sunday. I'm hoping not, because I just want to see snow in the mountains at this point (preferably wet snow to bond with the blue ice in Heather Canyon). No guarantees of low-level snow at this point, and certainly no guarantees of skiing within the Gorge, but do be prepared for more white stuff.
We'll start seeing snow on Mt. Hood tonight, but significant snow accumulation won't happen until Saturday. Even so, the skiing is excellent (read: not icy) and should stay that way. Unfortunately, it's going to be skiing for skiing's sake the next few days, as the evil inversion breaks and sunshine disappears from the slopes. It's been a good run of winter sunshine, that's for sure. Head up today for your last chance to see the big golden orb!
Now... this is 100% unsolicited advertising for Mt. Hood Meadows' ski/snowboard/tele clinics. I took an all-day tele clinic last Sunday, and - with no offense intended to my ski partners from last season, all of whom taught me a lot - I learned more in 6 hours than I learned in 40 days of skiing last year. So... I highly recommend all you tele skiers or skier/snowboard gals take the tele or women's clinics next month. They're $99 (apparently you get a 25% discount if you're a passholder) and well, well, well worth it.
Okay... have a great day! Go do something fun!
-Temira
Print | posted @ Wednesday, January 21, 2009 5:59 AM