Hi skiers, riders, telemarkers, windsurfers and kiters!
It has come to my attention that many people don't know they can check snow conditions at Mt. Hood Meadows before they head up. You can get current conditions (and I swear upon any book you present to me that they are honest and accurate) at skihood.com or at 386-7547. The phone is updated sometime between 5am and 5:30 and between 7am and 7:30. Save yourself the trouble of driving up, only to drive right back down.
NOAA had been calling for a ton of snow tonigh)t (Tuesday, but they've downgraded their forecast. It's barely snowing up there at all right now, but more moisture should hit the mountain in about 90 minutes. NOAA says 5-9" tonight. I'd expect the lower end of that. Also, it's going to be quite windy (read nuclear) up there overnight and into wednesday morning. That will keep the icy patches icy and blow snow into sheltered runs. Snow level tonight is at 3500 feet, so the snow shouldn't be too heavy.
Be warned that Tuesday was a mixed bag. Horrible glare ice alternated with heavy windblown un-powder. In addition, it was PACKED. At least it's not drowned powder, like it's going to be Thursday afternoon.
The snow level Thursday will start at 4500 feet, with 5-9" of new snow. However, it's going to be windy as s$*t. A warm front plows into the mountain sometime after midday, bringing over an inch of precipitable water, that is unfortunately looking like rain.
Snow levels fall Thursday into Friday, bringing more snow to the mountains.
If you want to go windsurfing or kiting out in the desert, Friday morning should be good. Bring small sails or small kites, and be prepared for freezing conditions. Warm wetsuits, hot beverages, and extra clothes are the call for the Friday river session. Come on out and get your first windsurfing day of the year on January 2nd!
See you on the mountain on Wednesday!
Print | posted @ Tuesday, December 30, 2008 6:16 PM