Windsurfers and kiters, NOAA posted a blowing dust warning for the desert today. That’s secret code for “it’s going to be windy at Arlington (so put your windsurfing and kiting gear in the car and eat a good breakfast, preferably a breakfast that includes something I'd like to eat, and don't forget to invite me over because it's 6am and I'm hungry and in need of coffee)”!
It was blowing in the mid twenties early, with strong desert gradient support. However, there are still rain showers just east of Arlington, and that's a sign that it's too early to start the drive. Look for 28-33 out east this afternoon. The strongest wind will be just as you've given up on Arlington for the day, say, starting around 2pm or so. With upper flow southerly as a trough crosses the Northwest, steadiest winds will be at Arlington, and possibly at Doug’s if the cloud line stays back.
Don't forget that the current is ripping at The Wall, so it's going to be Chop City today (so take your chop suey along for when your knees are sore).
Tomorrow looks pretty light in the Gorge - maybe 14-17 to start, and then fading - but the coast will be ripping. for you coastal windsurfers and kiters I’d say 20 knots in the north, 25 knots at the central coast, and 30 knots in the south both tomorrow and Thursday. Sadly, there’s only a dropping 3 foot swell running, so you’ll have wind, but not much in the way of surf.
Thursday sees Gorge winds turn easterly as high pressure builds. So... get your windsurfing and kiting in today!
Mountain bikers, Dog River and Oak Ridge trail are open and cleared of blowdown. There’s just a little bit of snow at the top, but not enough to keep you from riding! Thanks to Dirty Fingers for the information!
There’s a cool women’s-only event tonight at the Event Site. Big Winds provides stand-up boards and paddles and you provide the paddle power. That’s 5:30 at the Event Site. Free standup paddle ... usage? demos? evening entertainment? They didnt mention anything about BBQ, so I guess you can leave your steak at home. Maybe next time?
Paddlers, your numbers: The White Salmon’s at 5.7 feet, the Little White’s at 960 cfs, the Wind River’s at 1100 cfs and the Hood River’s at 6.2 feet.
So, whatever you do today, have an awesome time at it!