I was aiming for every other day, but I'm so excited about the forecast that I can't resist forecasting today.
The massive upper level low is still off the coast, but it's moving closer to the mainland now. We'll see a big band of rain hit today, and then the low will move over Oregon tonight (although one model shows it just heading up the coast and dissipating). As of this morning, snow levels are basically at the HRM lot at Mt. Hood Meadows. NOAA suggests the snow level will climb, but given the fact that it was 35 and snowing yesterday, I'll go with the same today.
At this point, it looks like most of the precipitation with the main frontal band tonight will come as snow on Mt. Hood. This is fantastic news. I'm calling 3-6" tonight with winds in the 20-35 range. That should be light enough wind to keep the snow where it belongs: sticking to the icy spots.
After the low dissipates tomorrow, snow levels drop to below pass levels. Another low developing off the coast will send bands of rain into Oregon. It will be gloomy and wet down in the Columbia Gorge and snowy (and not all that windy) on the ski slopes through Friday, at least. NOAA is calling for 5-10" tomorrow, and I think 6-8". This is very, very good news for you skiers, snowboarders and telemark skiers.
You windsurfers and kiteboarders have something to look forward to as well. We're going to see westerlies in the gorge tomorrow for your windsurfing pleasure. It's almost impossible to predict what's going to happen this time of year, but here's the usual scenario with a frontal passage. We'll see sailable wind at Arlington and other desert windsurfing spots. We most likely will see a short-lived blasting at the Hatchery, because it handles southerly flow well. Models suggest that will happen around midday (if it happens), meaning you might be able to ski some powder int he morning and windsurf in the afternoon. February daily double, anyone?
Have a great day today!
Print | posted @ Monday, February 23, 2009 7:39 AM