I don't see any way to not post a forecast today! We're looking at a possible windsurfing event, a powder storm on Mt. Hood and possible snow in Hood River. This is exciting weather!
For the first, a front sits off the coast at this time, and will approach the Gorge later today. The wind models suggest the front will cross early, but NOAA thinks it will cross later. Given the timing uncertainty, I propose strong winds in the desert (that's Arlington, Threemile, etc) late this afternoon for you windsurfing junkies. Unfortunately, it's going to be quite cold, but anyone strong enough to sail strong winds is tough enough to take the cold, right? Right... I'm not giving an exact windspeed as it's almost impossible to get these winter westerly events correct. This is just a friendly reminder that windsurfing is still a sport, even when Meadows is in full swing. Check your iWindsurf or windonthewater.com account regularly today...
On the mountain, it's currently very windy (27g50), and I would not be surprised to see detrimental winds (is that some sort of code?) later in the day. No blowing snow along the roadway yet, however! It looks like there will only be very light snow until noon, at the earliest. Again, we are waiting for the front to bring orographically enhanced precipitation to our favorite storm skiing hill! NOAA is predicting 18-24" overnight. I think that's a bit optimistic, even though I'd be thrilled to see it. A more reasonable guess is 10-16" overnight... unless it gets VERY cold and the snow is VERY light and fluffy (thanks to Ms. Ruthford at NOAA for the technical description of powder).
Now, down to the difficult forecast... that of snow at the valley floors. It's a tough call whether we'll have sticking snow, mostly because we'll be in westerly flow. West flow tends to keep us warmer, as it's bringing warm, moist maritime air off the ocean and not cold, dry continental air off the continent. I don't think we'll see significant accumulation near the Columbia, but Parkdale, Odell and other orographically favored locations will see some snow late today into tomorrow.
Leave extra time for the drive to Mt. Hood tomorrow. The winds will be much lighter, in the 15-30 range at most, making for very nice skiing. Too bad it's a weekend, right? I mean, I love seeing all the people skiing, and I love seeing Meadows busy (especially after hearing on OPB about a ski area going under due to the economy), but when there's lots of new powder, I don't like to share. Who does, right? =)
Have a great day today, and I'll see you in the Heather line tomorrow!
Print | posted @ Saturday, March 07, 2009 5:56 AM