Good morning everyone. The ULL was supposed to be gone this morning. Instead, it's sitting overhead, keeping strong gradients from developing through the gorge. This is pissing me off, quite frankly. I'd like to go windsurfing today in nuclear force winds. The MM5 still calls for 35-40 at Doug's today, but I just don't see that happening until the high clouds clear.
We had an .09 gradient to start the day, and that will build towards afternoon. We’ll see 16-20 from Stevenson to Mosier this morning under cloudy skies. As the low shifts eastward this afternoon and high pressure builds at the coast, winds will increase. Look for 24-28 from Mosier to Maryhill later today, with a slight possibility of nuclear force winds at Doug’s if our cards fall just right.
Don’t stay on the water too late: it’s First Friday in Hood River, where you can see the fabulous works of local artists, socialize with all those people you haven’t seen since last year, and catch the Surf Vipers and Pink Gravel and Order and Chaos at IPS skate shop!
We’ll have a windy weekend as well. Tomorrow brings dawn patrol in the low twenties, building to 26-30 by midday east of the marine deck, probably from Mosier to Maryhill. Sunday looks pretty light, with a chance of 15-18 thermals, as low pressure off the coast weakens gradients.
If you like whitewater rafting, you'll be pleased to know that Imperial Rafting company in Maupin is running free 45 minute trips down the Deschutes tomorrow for "Opening Day" on the Deschutes River. Along with free rafting, they'll have chainsaw ice-sculpting, poker tournaments, and all sorts of other cool and random fun activities.
Boaters, the Hood’s at 5.1 , the White salmon’s at 4.3, the Little White’s at 650 and the Wind River’s at 560.
Whatever you do today, have an awesome time!
(I'm going back to sleep now, since I didn't get my 28+ dawn patrol. Damn you Upper Level Low.)