Good morning Gorge sports fanatics, and welcome to the first 80 degree day of 2009! Enjoy the warmth and sunshine while it lasts – get out and play today and tomorrow – because by Wednesday, snow levels will be back down to 3500 feet and we’ll be enjoying April snow showers on the mountain!
Windsurfers and kiteboarders, this summerlike weather doesn’t drive Gorge westerlies, or easterlies for that matter. The heat continues through Tuesday, with nothing more than light west winds until late Tuesday evening. Even then, we’re looking at 17-20, at the very best tomorrow.
A cold front plows into the Northwest on Wednesday, dropping daytime temperatures in Portland and allowing sunshine to warm the desert. West winds return, but the final timing and strength of the front will determine the final wind strength. Stay tuned for developments…
Dirty Fingers reports primo-perfect conditions in Post Canyon and on Mitchell Ridge. Given Mitchell’s enthusiasm, I’m making Post Canyon my pick of the day and heading up later.
But really, road biking takes the prize today, with light wind and sunshine. If you can get out in the morning, go do intervals on seven mile or state road. There’s no quicker way to get in shape than torturing yourself with uphill sprints early in the season.
Finally, the river report: The White Salmon’s at 3.34 feet, the little white’s at 509 cfs and the Wind River’s at 563 cfs.
Have an awesome day today, whatever you do!