Somehow this seems to be turning into an every other day forecast (at least at the website - the emails are pretty infrequent, eh?) During the winter, that's not a real problem, especially since there's not been much to talk about lately. Now, however, we must chat.
It's supposed to snow in Hood River again today. NOAA is predicting anything from 1-6 inches. It really does crack me up when they contradict themselves from forecast to forecast. The HR forecast says "less than one inch," but the winter weather advisory says 3 to 6 inches are possible. I'm guessing (that's gut instinct) that we'll see 1 to 2 inches.
The storm track, instead of tracking right over us, is tracking down the coast. There are a couple of implications to this. First, gradients will stay easterly as the low slides down the coast, keeping cold air pouring into the Gorge. Second, precipitation will be limited inland, meaning we'll only get a few inches (well, maybe half a foot by the end of the day) up on Mt. Hood and down in the Hood River valley.
If you're not doing anything today, I suggest you sacrifice something to the snow gods in order to encourage the storm track to shift, perhaps to track right over Mt. Hood. We really could use another 4-6 FEET at the ski resorts, because we're all super-spoiled skiers and riders and freeheelers after last season. If you want to see just how bare things are looking, I've posted a few photos on my Facebook page from a flight around the mountain last week.
As for windsurfing and kiteboarding, I'm not giving the forecast because Laura is out of town. If she's not around to go windsurfing, then nobody else will be inspired by her craziness to go as well. (Just teasing, Laura). The problem is that it's SNOWING. You're not going windsurfing, not on my watch!
Speaking of freeheelers, there are telemark clinics at Meadows this Sunday. I know you're all sick of hearing about them on the snowphone, but they're very helpful. I really did learn as much in one day as I did all last season (or it felt like it, anyway, and no offense intended to the nice gentleman who taught me to ski last year. He did an amazing job too!) It's only $75 if you have a pass, and you'll be ripping by the end of the day. Plus, you'll get to spend the day skiing with me... =)
Have a great day, everyone!
Print | posted @ Tuesday, February 10, 2009 5:28 AM