That was fast...

UPDATED: Friday, February  27, 2015: 2:30pm

And just like that, here we are at the final weekend of February.  I’m headed out to Mt. Diablo for a camping trip with UD this weekend, UD is taking over Tahoe for Snowfest--just in time for a little fresh powder-- and in the South Bay, we’re having a Final Friday Happy Hour tonight.  There’s tons going on this weekend.  

Snow falling at Sugarbowl on 2/27/15

Summary:

It’s actually snowing up in Tahoe for the first time in what feels like forever.  This weekend a cold storm will drop anywhere between 8-12 inches of snow up on the ski resorts and the snow is expected to be light and dry.  Down around the Bay, cool weather with occasional clouds and maybe a shower will be with us while the surf is pretty much nonexistent through the weekend.  

Around Tahoe:

Just when it feels like everyone has given up on winter, we’re starting to see some small changes that involve cold and snow.  This weekend’s storm isn’t expected to be anything big by Tahoe standards, but it is enough to freshen up the slopes and maybe, just maybe give us a decent powder day or two.  Highs down in Truckee will be in the 30’s to maybe 40 on Sunday with the bulk of the snow falling Friday night and Saturday.  Expect cold temps at night in the teens.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The snow and weather in Tahoe isn’t going to affect the Bay Area all that much this weekend.  Expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of an isolated shower or through Saturday night with highs in the lower 60’s.  Sunday will dry out completely before the next disturbance moves through and gives us a chance of rain for the beginning of the work week.  

Surf Around the Region:  

The gusty winds and small systems affecting the region have hacked and jumbled the surf quite a bit around the Bay.  It might be a good weekend to leave the boards in the garage and hit the trails or even click into some skis or boards.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 27, 2015

Sunrise: 6:44am, Sunset 6:01pm

Low Tide: 12:16 at 2.6ft, 13:33 at 0.3ft

High Tide: 6:28 at 5.7ft, 20:38 at 4.6ft

Have a great weekend and go play outside!

SB

Snow? Could it be?

UPDATED: Wednesday, February 25, 2015: 4:30pm

Yusef practices standing up on the shore at Lindamar, Pacifica.

Summary:

Howdy folks!  We’ve made it to hump day and it’s time to start thinking about the weekend.  Weather for the rest of the week looks good, but expect some cooler weather and breezy conditions coming in from the Bay all the way up to Tahoe.  Around the beaches waves are coming down in size and will get chopped up from the coming onshore winds.  

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Highs in the mid 60’s around the Bay today and tomorrow are going to give way to some cooler temps Friday and into the weekend with highs in the upper 50’s.  Sunny skies will prevail, but winds will pick up a bit on Thursday evening before backing off on Friday.  Looking at the weekend ahead, temperatures are going to remain mild, but there is a slight chance of a shower or two on Friday and Saturday.  Don’t forget that this weekend I’m leading a camping and hiking trip up on Mt. Diablo, come on out to see the amazing vistas, hike amongst wildflowers and sleep under the stars!

Surf Around the Region:  

Short period swell in the chest high range will dominate the beaches over the next few days.  Onshore winds with the coming cool front are also going to chop up the surf a bit.  If you head out, get at it early to ensure the lightest winds.  Interested in learning to surf?  Come join us next month in Bolinas for the second installment of the “Learn to Surf Series” or sign up to travel with me to Baja in April for the UD Baja Surf Safari.   

Around Tahoe:

Mild weather in the 50’s today and tomorrow is going to give way to cooler temps with even a chance of snow going into the weekend.  I wouldn’t expect huge amounts of snow--or anything close to what we need to help out the water/snowpack situation--but it is something.  Nice powder stashes are possible on the higher peaks.  The southern Sierra got some snow earlier this week near Mammoth.  Check out the blower pow!  Head on up to the Tahoe Cabins this weekend and try to get your skis and boards on the snow.

Colorado?  Nope, the Eastern Sierra near Virginia Lakes on 2/23/15.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

Thursday, February 25, 2015

Sunrise 6:47, Sunset 5:59pm
High Tide: 4:22am at 5.9ft./ 6:12pm at 4.3ft.

Low Tide: 11:14am at 0.6ft. / 11:01pm at 2.4ft.  

SB

Back in the Saddle

Fresh oysters from Tomales Bay, California soon to be consumed on the UD Oyster BBQ Hike.

Summary:

I’ve been away for a few days enjoying the beautiful weather of the past week up in Yosemite Valley and am now back in the saddle and ready for a packed weekend.  The climbing right now is amazing with temperatures in the mid 60’s in the Valley all under brilliant California sunshine.  The fantastic weather will continue around the area with temperatures in the upper 60’s around the Bay under sunny skies.  Tahoe will cool off and see some flurries later this weekend while the beaches will remain mild with fun surf.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

While it’s not going to be as warm as last weekend, this weekend is shaping up to be beautiful as well.  Sunny skies will dominate the area and highs will warm into the mid-upper 60’s both on Saturday and Sunday.  Expect lows to dip into the 40’s.  Still wondering what to do this weekend?  Join UD on Saturday for an Oyster BBQ and Hike at Tomales Bay or come Learn to Surf in Pacifica on Sunday!  I’ll be hosting both activities and am looking forward to a weekend of fun outside.

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf this weekend is looking pretty good for getting out and learning around the region.  Mid period swell from the WNW will start affecting the region late on Friday and remain in the region through Sunday before a longer period swell arrives late on Sunday.  Come on out and learn to ride the waves!

Around Tahoe:

Cold weather is forecast to return to the Tahoe Region this weekend and some snow is actually in the forecast for late Saturday and Sunday.  Unfortunately, the snow isn’t going to really accumulate, but temperatures will cool dramatically.  Hopefully the resorts can kick their snowmaking systems back into gear and rebuild the base that melted away over the unseasonably warm week.  Expect sunny skies on Saturday with highs in the low 50’s that will give way to clouds and light snow on Sunday with highs around 6000ft only reaching the upper 30’s.  It’ll be nice to see winter again.  Hopefully we can get a Miracle March to make up for the warm dry weather that’s dominated our season.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

LOW avy danger dominates the backcountry with the old, shallow snowpack.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Sunrise: 6:55am - Sunset: 5:53pm

Low Tide: 5:10am at 1.3ft. / 17:42 at -0.7ft

High Tide: 11:29 at 6.6ft. / 21:53 at 4.8ft

Enjoy your weekend!

SB

Valentine's Day Weekend

Summary:

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us and we could not have nicer weather for a weekend packed full of events.  Highs around the Bay will be in the lower 70’s all weekend under sunny skies.  Up in Tahoe expect warm and dry conditions, more reminiscent of spring than February.  The beaches are in fantastic shape as well with sunshine, blue skies, offshore winds and warm days.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

This weekend is going to be brilliant and beautiful for Valentine’s Day.  We’re kicking off the weekend with a Flashlight Hike on Twin Peaks on Friday, a Pillow Fight and Bar Crawl on Valentine’s Day and a Sea Otter Kayak down in Moss Landing on Sunday.  The weather for all of these activities is going to be perfect.  Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the low 70’s with lows in the 50’s.  If you’re looking for some fun this weekend, join us for one or all of these events!

Around Tahoe:

There’s nothing to report from Tahoe with regards to snow.  Expect sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures this weekend with highs in the low 60’s near lake level.  The resorts have been working hard on making snow and it looks like they’re still holding on.  Sugarbowl still has great coverage as of this morning:

Next week looks a bit cooler, but no storms are on the horizon.  Keep holding out hope for a Miracle March.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

LOW avy danger dominates the backcountry.  Be on the lookout for warm snow instabilities on slopes 37 degrees and steeper.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Surf Around the Region:  

I got out in the surf this morning at Lindamar in Pacifica and the surf was fantastic: waist the chest high peeling lefts.  Reports from Bolinas are looking equally positive with good swell and clean conditions.  Don’t forget that next weekend is the first event in our Learn to Surf Series in Pacifica.  A few slots are still open, so register now!

February 13, 2015

Sunrise: 7:02am/ Sunset: 5:46pm

High Tide: 6:01am at 5.7ft/ 20:18 at 4.0ft

Low Tide: 13:02am at 0.6ft.

Have a great weekend and get outside!

SB

Summer Returns

UPDATED: Wednesday, February 11, 2015: 5:00pm

Looking south from Milagra Ridge in Pacifica.

Summary:

After blowing through with wind and rain, toppling some trees and cancelling a few events, last weekend’s storm is long gone from Northern California and we’re back into our summery pattern.  Partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies will take us into the weekend from Tahoe to the Bay and highs will range from the low 60’s near Lake Tahoe to near 70 around the Bay.  Now’s the time to hit the beaches or just take your lunch outside.  

Don’t forget that on Friday I’ll be hosting a flashlight hike up at Twin Peaks in San Francisco, followed by an Italian dinner in the Castro.  If you’re looking for something to do on Friday, sign up!  Morgen and Alison are also hosting an awesome Sea Otter Kayak down in Moss Landing on the Monterey Bay on Sunday.  The weather’s looking great and this is a fantastic event to get outside and see some cute local wildlife.  

Around Tahoe:

Sadly, I think it’s time to break out the mountain and road bikes until the next snow arrives.  We’re going to be warm and dry around Tahoe for the foreseeable future.  Today through Friday, expect highs around lake level in the low 60’s with lows around freezing.  Sunny skies will dominate as well.  We’re really going to need a “miracle March” to recover any hope of a ski season.  

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

MODERATE avy danger exists in the backcountry above 8,700ft. with the risk of high consequence, persistent slabs releasing in very specific terrain.  For all other elevations and aspects, avy danger is LOW.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Awesome weather and sunny skies have returned to the Bay.  Temperatures will warm tomorrow and Friday to close to 70 for many locations around the Bay Area.  Some passing clouds, but no precip are forecasted.  If you can get outside during your lunch break to take a walk or eat in a park, now’s a great time to do it.  I got out for a run before work this morning on the coast and I couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Surf Around the Region:  

Surf around the region is building yet again with a large, mid period swell impacting our local beaches starting today and continuing through Friday.  The Weather Service has already posted a beach hazard advisory for the next two days, so if you head out for a surf, avoid beaches with a solid W exposure.  Protected breaks like the south side of Lindamar in Pacifica and Bolinas will be the best bet for safe, fun, manageable surf.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 11, 2015

Sunrise: 7:04am/ Sunset: 5:44pm

High Tide: 4:13 at 5.4ft/ 17:25 at 3.7ft

Low Tide: 10:54am at 1.4ft/ 22:15 at 2.5ft

SB

The Storm Roars In

UPDATED: Friday, February 6, 2015: 4:00pm

Sugarbowl base area at 3:30pm on 2/6/15

Summary:

The storm has arrived!  Take a look at Sugarbowl this afternoon.  Snow levels are supposed to be pretty high with these two storms this weekend, but they’re starting out lower than expected.  Let’s hope that keeps up!  For the Bay Area, expect very windy and rainy conditions to continue into Saturday morning with a lull and showery weather taking us through the rest of the day on Saturday.  Sunday a new storm roars in and it will bring more rain and wind through Monday.  Highs through the weekend will be in the low 60’s and lows will dip to around 50.  Tahoe will get blasted as well, but with mainly rain.  Above 8,000ft. heavy wet snow could total up in the 2-3 foot range, but only a few inches of snow will make it down to lake level by the end of the second storm on Monday.  The beaches are as stormy and blown out as you might expect.  

The weather has closed down a few of our outdoor events planned for this weekend, but that shouldn’t keep you from having some fun with UD!  Tonight at the clubhouse we’re hosting a Speed Dating Night and Alison will be hosting a Brunch on Sunday morning.  Sign up if you haven’t already!

Around Tahoe:

The resorts started getting nuked mid afternoon.  I’ve been watching the webcams around the region all day and as of 3:30pm, a few inches of snow has already fallen up at Donner Summit and it continues to come down hard.  Many resorts were closed today due to the weather and wind.  Expect a few feet of heavy, wet snow to fall through Sunday above 8000ft., but below that most of the precipitation will fall as rain.  Since snow levels started off pretty low at the onset of the storm a few hours ago, I’m still holding out hope that more cold air will come in with this storm and rejuvenate the snow pack and our ski season.  At this stage in the game, one can only hope.  The storms will continue all weekend with the final impulse moving out of the region late Monday.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

MODERATE avy danger exists in the backcountry, but it will be rising quickly to CONSIDERABLE with the arriving storm.  New snow and high winds will create loading conditions on lee aspects and unstable slab buildup is almost certain as the storm rolls in.  It’s a good time to stay out of the backcountry until the storm passes.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

High winds and heavy rains will dominate the area this weekend.  If you enjoy watching mother nature blow in off the ocean in full force, be safe, don your rain gear and head out.  The poor weather forced us to close out our intro to backpacking trip scheduled for the weekend on Angel Island.  This is, however, a perfect weekend to read a book, watch a documentary and meet up with Alison for brunch on Sunday at Dr. Teeth.  Expect rain to be heaviest tonight and early tomorrow with a lull later in the day on Saturday, followed by another wallop early Sunday morning through the day Sunday and into Monday.  Temps will be in the 60’s during the day and 50’s at night.   

Surf Around the Region:  

Big storms mean two things: poor waves and poor water quality.  It’s advisable to stay out of the water this weekend as a month of urban sludge will be washing into our beloved mother ocean all at once.  The waves are chopped up and creating “victory at sea” conditions too.  One spot on the coast, storm favorite, Lindamar Beach in Pacifica, has been dishing up some great conditions today, despite the howling winds:

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 6, 2015

Sunrise: 7:09am/ Sunset: 5:39pm

High Tide: 1:18am at 5.2ft/ 12:35pm at 5.4ft

Low Tide: 6:39am at 2.1ft/ 18:52 at 0.5ft

Be safe if you head out this weekend and have a great one!

SB

Change In the Air

UPDATED: Wednesday, February 4, 2015: 5:00pm

Summary:

Change is in the air.  Since arriving at the UD clubhouse this morning, winds have picked up and begun clearing out the air.  This morning we couldn’t see Alcatraz from the clubhouse and now Marin is in full view.  A major storm system is en route for Northern California over the next few days.  Around the Bay, expect one more day of dry weather that will end abruptly on Thursday with heavy rain and high winds.  Tahoe will get wet as well and snow levels look to be high with this system, around 8000ft.  The good surf from earlier in the week is now getting jumbled about by the high onshore winds.  

Around Tahoe:

The wait for a system to come and drop some rain/snow has finally come to an end.  A large system is approaching NorCal and should begin to dropping snow around Tahoe early on Friday.  Unfortunately, this storm is already being described as a “Pineapple Express” event, and this typically means high snow levels and rain for lower elevations.  As of this morning, models showed little clarity as to where snow will begin falling, but I would not anticipate much snow below 8000ft.  If you’re headed up to the mountains for some turns, head to resorts with higher terrain like Squaw, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Mt. Rose.  

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

LOW avy danger still dominates the backcountry, but expect this to change quickly as the coming storm begins to affect the area.  High winds and heavy, wet snow on the upper mountains will quickly load slopes.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Expect winds to pick up around the Bay later tonight and tomorrow ahead of the storm.  Rain will begin on Thursday afternoon and evening from north to south.  Temperatures Thursday and Friday will warm into the low 60’s and cool into the low 50’s at night.  Unless you’re a fan of playing in the rain, the next few days might be a good time to hit the gym or actually stay in the office.  

Surf Around the Region:  

When we do get storms, it’s best to stay out of the water.  The arrival of onshore winds this afternoon has chopped up the surf around the region and it looks like now is a good time to rest up until the weather passes.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 4,  2015

Sunrise: 7:11am/ Sunset: 5:36pm

High Tide: 12:23am at 5.2ft/ 11:23am at 5.9ft

Low Tide: 5:24am at 2.3ft/ 17:52 at 1.5ft

SB