Sunny and Mild

UPDATED: Friday, January 7, 2015, 9:30am

Eric G. finds fast, ripable snow at Sugarbowl.  1/9/15

Summary:

The weekend is here and the options for outdoor adventures abound!  It’s a great weekend to ski, kayak on the Bay or head out for a hike.  I’m writing from UD’s North Shore cabin in Truckee where temperatures this morning are in the high 20’s under mostly cloudy skies.  Expect Tahoe to be mostly cloudy today with continued warm temps.  Things will cool off and clear out for the weekend.  Around the Bay expect sunny skies and mild temps.  New swell is in the water at the beaches, so it’s a good time to head to more protected breaks like Lindamar, Bolinas or Santa Cruz if you’re not able to paddle through overhead sets.

Around Tahoe:

I got out on the snow for a bit yesterday at Sugarbowl and found surprisingly fun conditions.  Weeks without any new snow have left us powderless, but the groomers are fast and fun, not as wet as I feared they might be, especially in the afternoon.  Coverage on the mountains remains good, especially on the upper mountains.  I’m looking forward to grabbing a few more turns before heading home this afternoon.  This weekend expect highs in the lower to mid 40’s during the day and 20’s at night.  There’s a chance for some light snow on the east side of the lake later in the day on Sunday, but it looks like any accumulation will be pretty minimal.  The next chance of a pattern change looks like MLK weekend.  Hopefully we can get a decent storm in here soon.

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 and will likely continue this weekend.  Any instabilities encountered will likely be from daytime warming of the snowpack, especially on sun exposed slopes.  Overcast skies today will likely keep conditions firm and icy.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Mild winter weather will continue this weekend.  Daytime highs in the mid to upper 50’s and sunny skies call for some fun outside.  I’m hosting the UD kayak on McCovey Cove on Saturday and might even try to sneak in a trail run on Sunday.  Whatever you do, get outside and enjoy the weekend!

Surf Around the Region:  

The mellow surf of the past week has finally given way to a new, larger swell.  Looking at the cams this morning out at Ocean Beach, a few double overhead waves are rolling in, but cleanly.  More protected spots like Lindamar, Bolinas and Capitola will provide smaller, more user friendly surf.  The swell should be peaking late today and tomorrow, then will slowly back off over the weekend.  Expect calm to light easterly winds most of the weekend, with the best conditions early in the morning.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 9, 2015

Sunrise: 7:25am/ Sunset: 5:08pm

High Tide: 1:51am at 5.08ft/ 12:45 at 5.11ft

Low Tide: 7:17am at 2.8ft/ 19:21 at 0.58ft

Have a great weekend!  

SB

This is January?

UPDATED: Friday, January 7, 2015, 10:00am

January?  Warm weather and great conditions on the water at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.

Summary:

Believe it or not, it actually is January 7.  The high today in Chicago is 1 degree.  Northern California, however, looks about as good as it gets for the middle of winter.  While there’s no new snow in the Sierra, below freezing nights and daytime highs in the 40’s are preserving the snow fairly well up on the mountains.  I’m headed to Tahoe today and I’ll give the next update from the UD cabin on the North Shore.  Expect weather around the Bay over the next two days to be sunny and warm with highs around 60 and lows near 50.  The surf is still splendid and fun-sized, so get out on the water if you can or just take in a walk on the beach.

Around Tahoe:

Sunny and mild conditions reign up in the Sierra.  Highs over the next few days will be in the 40’s and low 50’s with sunny skies.  The next chance for a pattern change and some significant snow looks like it could come in time for or around the MLK weekend.  The models are hinting at a pattern change, but it’s still a long way off, so I’m not getting my hopes up just yet.  This isn’t our first season with a dry January.  The coming weekend looks to be more of the same with the beautiful weather.  It’s a perfect time to head up, learn to ski or board or just sharpen your skills in anticipation of the coming storms.

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 and will likely continue this weekend.  Any instabilities encountered will likely be from daytime warming of the snowpack, especially on sun exposed slopes.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Sunny and beautiful will continue with highs around 60 and lows near 50.  Light winds out of the N and E will prevail.  The weather’s looking great for the UD kayak on McCovey Cove on Saturday.  Sign up and let’s paddle around the Bay!

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf has been consistently stellar this past week.  WNW and WSW swell at around 4-5 feet with grooming, offshore winds has made surf good all day long.  The swell will back off in size on Thursday until a new, larger swell will approach the area Friday in the 8-10 ft. range.  

I swam out at Ocean Beach on Sunday afternoon with the camera.  These are the winter conditions the local surf community dreams about.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 7, 2015

Sunrise: 7:25am/ Sunset: 5:07pm

High Tide: 12:48am at 5.07ft/ 11:27 at 5.84ft

Low Tide: 5:46am at 2.82ft/ 18:11 at -0.12ft

I’m hosting Kayaking on McCovey Cove on Saturday and the weather’s going to be great.  Come on out and enjoy an afternoon with great views on the San Francisco waterfront.  

The Day of Reckoning

NorCal Adventure Conditions: UPDATED: Monday, January 5, 2015, 9:00am

Summary:

The day of reckoning is upon us.  The holidays are over and it’s time to head back into the office.  Fear not!  UD has tons of activities and trips on the horizon for the coming year.  Be sure to check the calendar regularly as we continue to develop more fun activities.  Thanks to the solid crew that came out for our hike on Mt. Davidson on Saturday.  We had a blast!

Mt. Davidson hikers take in San Francisco from above.

The weather for the first half of the work week looks to be much of the same around Northern California.  Tahoe hasn’t received any new snow, but the combination of crisp temps and low January sun will keep the snow on the mountains cold and fast for ripping at the resorts.  Mild daytime highs and sunny skies around the Bay will keep things pleasant this week, while a small, chest high swell and East winds will make for continued fun surf at the beaches.  

Around Tahoe:

Beautiful morning up at Squaw

No new snow is in the forecast for the next two days, so go back to work and fret not.  If you are in the mountains, have the sunscreen handy and show your appreciation of the snow that we do have by cruising the groomers on the upper mountains.  Later in the week we could get a dusting, but it looks like the best chance of snow might be later in the month.  

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 and will likely continue this week.  Small warming instabilities may develop on slopes with the most sun exposure with daytime warming.  It’s a good, safe time for a hike, ski tour or snowshoe.  For more details, check out the full report.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Beautiful, mild, sunny weather is the name of the game for the first half of the day.  If you can get out for a run, or even a nice walk on your lunch break, it’s a great time to do it.

Surf Around the Region:  

Consistent, fun-sized swell and offshore winds made this weekend pretty nice out at Ocean Beach.  The swell will continue through the end of the week with primarily N and NE winds, lightest early in the day.  Get out and enjoy a dawn patrol session before work if you can.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 5, 2015

Sunrise: 7:25am/ Sunset: 5:05pm

High Tide: 10:14am at 6.48ft/ --

Low Tide: 4:21am at 2.74ft/ 17:02 at -0.55ft

NorCal Adventure Conditions Update: January 2, 2015, 9:30am

NorCal Adventure Conditions Update

A summary of weather, surf and snow conditions around Northern California made exclusively for Urban Diversion of San Francisco.  

Winter in California.

Summary:

The new year is here and the weather’s great.  Cool, clear days around the Bay and will continue into the weekend with temperatures eventually warming back to around 60.  No new snow for Tahoe this weekend, but expect perfect, bluebird conditions with highs in the 30’s.  Keep the sunscreen handy.  The surf around SF is small, clean and perfect for a longboard.  Go get it!  Also, don’t forget about the full moon hike tomorrow night up on Mt. Davidson.  The weather’s looking perfect.

Around Tahoe:

“Whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis?” sums up the outlook for big snow in the coming week for the mountains.  It looks like we’re getting set for an extended dry period that will eventually warm up a bit next week.  Keep your fingers crossed that things will change up and we can sneak a storm in.  Expect sunny skies and highs in the 30’s this weekend across the Tahoe Basin, perfect weather for lapping the groomers and getting in shape for big powder dumps later this 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 and will likely continue this weekend.  It’s a good, safe time for a hike, ski tour or snowshoe.  For more details, check out the full report.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Clear skies, a full moon and crisp days will reign this weekend.  Get out on the trails, walk the beaches and enjoy the weather.  Beach bonfire?  This is why we live in California, right?  

Surf Around the Region:  

When Tahoe isn’t getting new snow this time of year, the surf can often be great.  That’s happening now.  Waist to chest high swell is coming in at Ocean Beach and light offshore winds are grooming the waves.  Be aware that the full moon is bringing big tidal swings, but the waves are looking good.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 2, 2015

Sunrise: 7:25am/ Sunset: 5:02pm

High Tide: 8:13am at 6.75ft/ 22:12 at 4.93ft

Low Tide: 1:59am at 2.48ft/ 15:07 at -0.5ft

See you in the moonlight tomorrow night on Mt. Davidson!  

Norcal Adventure Conditions Report: December 31, 2014: 9:30am

NorCal Adventure Conditions Update

A summary of weather, surf and snow conditions around Northern California made exclusively for Urban Diversion of San Francisco.  

UPDATED: Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 9:30am

Summary:

Cold and clear conditions have taken hold of Northern California on this last day December.  Temperatures are only in the single digits around the Tahoe Basin, but there is some fresh snow on the ground.  Down near the coast winds are subsiding, but the chill remains under crystal clear skies.  Surf is jumbled and weak at present.  Happy New Year!

Around Tahoe:

The small storm that dropped through the region on Tuesday produced high winds and a bit more snow than forecasted for areas east of the Crest.  Heavenly picked up around a foot of light, dry powder, a rarity for the Sierra.  Northstar picked up a few inches too.  Check out the bluebird morning on hand at Heavenly:

The weather will remain frigid and clear for the next two days.  As the weekend approaches, expect temperatures to warm up to near normal with highs in the 40’s.  The next chance of some snow looks to maybe come in towards the latter half of next week.  The models are uncertain, so we’ll just have to wait and see...

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

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

The backcountry is hosting MODERATE danger for all wind loaded areas near and above treeline steeper than 35 degrees.  Recent snow and high winds of the past few days has created new slabs that could be triggered by a skier.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

High winds from yesterday will subside throughout the day and be replaced by cooler temps than we’ve seen all season.  Frost will be widespread tomorrow and Friday morning, so bundle up if you head out.  Highs today will be in the 40’s and low 50’s, tomorrow as well.  

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf’s looking pretty small over the next few days.  Exposed breaks around the area like Ocean Beach are pulling in only knee to thigh high waves.  It’s a great time to work off the NY hangover in some cold, mellow water on a long board.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

December 31, 2014

Sunrise: 7:25am/ Sunset: 4:57pm

High Tide: 7:22am at 6.4ft/ 21:06 at 4.4ft

Low Tide: 12:42 at 2.0ft/ 14:18 at 0.0ft

Have a great New Year and don’t forget to get outside and enjoy all of the beautiful playgrounds that NorCal has to offer!

Norcal Adventure Conditions Report: December 29, 2014: 9:00am

NorCal Adventure Conditions Update

A summary of weather, surf and snow conditions around Northern California made exclusively for Urban Diversion of San Francisco.  

Summary:

Cold and sunny weather is the name of the game for the next few days across Northern California.  Tahoe may see a dusting of snow over the next two days along with frigid temps while the areas around the coast will see sunny skies and highs in the low 50’s.  Expect user friendly, head-high surf from Marin to Santa Cruz with the best conditions each morning as offshores groom the surf.

Around Tahoe:

Not too much new to report around Tahoe in terms of snowfall.  We may pick up an inch or two on the resorts from now until Wednesday.  Expect cold temps with highs not getting above freezing, especially on Tuesday.  Sharpen your edges, rip some groomers and get ready for the big dumps of powder later in the season.

Bluebird and crisp up in the Sierra this morning:

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

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

The backcountry is hosting LOW danger for all elevations and aspects.  Cold conditions and no snow have stabilized the snowpack, but the skiing will be icy.  

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Dry, cool weather will pervail in the region for the next few days.  Expect daytime highs in the upper 40’s to low 50’s and nighttime lows in the 30’s.  A dry system will be moving through on late Monday-Tuesday that will bring strong winds to the region, adding to the chill.  With a light jacket, conditions couldn’t be better for a bike tour, hike or trail run.  

Surf Around the Region:  

Surf from Marin to Santa Cruz looks great for the two day period.  Offshore winds will dominate through the end of the week, but will be strong with the approaching system on Tuesday.  Expect waves in the 4-6 foot range at top breaks, then backing off towards mid week.  Be mindful of the large tide swings as we’re approaching a full moon.  Now’s a great time to get out to places like OB that were super human during most of December, but now have manageable surf.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

December 29, 2014

Sunrise: 7:24am/ Sunset: 4:50pm

High Tide: 6:32 at 6.39ft/ 18:30 at 4.2ft

Low Tide: 12:16 at 1.0ft/ 11:30 at 1.6ft

Conditions Update: Wednesday December, 17, 2014 at 4:00PM

Summary:

The wet and stormy pattern that we’ve been in over the past few weeks will slowly be breaking towards the end of the week and the weekend should bring sunny skies and cool temps for Northern California.  The wet weather in the Bay has meant snow in the Sierra and the resorts are cranking up their operations with new snow and tons of stoke ahead of the holidays.  Surf along the coast continues to be massive and occasionally affected by strong winds accompanying storms, so unless you’re a Mavericks or XXL Ocean Beach charger, it might be a good time to focus on land-based activities, like eating copious amounts of cheese at Christmas parties.    

Around Tahoe:

Since the big storm last week that dropped nearly 24 inches of snow on resorts west of the lake along the Sierra Crest, small, consecutive impulses have added totals upwards of three feet to the early season snowpack.  The snow falling this week has been light and dry--perfect powder for the Sierra.  I got up to Donner Summit on Sunday for my first backcountry tour of the season.  I found cold snow on nearly all aspects below treeline and a fairly consistent snowpack above 7000ft of about 3 feet.  Snow depths increased with elevation.  

Take a look at Sugar Bowl from around 3:30 this afternoon!

Here are some 6 day totals brought to us courtesy of Brian Allegretto at the Tahoe Daily Snow:

For tomorrow and Friday, expect continued cold in the mountains with occasional snow showers.  Another small, weak storm is forecast to impact the Central Sierra on Friday bringing only light amounts of snow to the region, just a refresher for the surface conditions.  Temps will remain cold, though, so the snow guns at the resorts will keep firing in hopes of opening even more terrain soon.  For the long range it looks as though we get a break in the action next week before more storms could impact the area the week after Christmas.  

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

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

December 17, 2014 at 6:53am

Human-triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible today. MODERATE avalanche danger exists on wind-loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper in near and above treeline terrain. Use clues like cornices, drifted snow, ripples in the snow surface, and other wind created textures to help determine where wind slabs may exist. Convex rollovers, areas near rocks, unsupported slopes, couloirs/gullies, and other complex terrain represent the most likely places to trigger wind slabs.

Click here to read the full advisory ...

Want to learn to recreate safely in the backcountry?  Get avy certified!  Here are some links to providers of AIARE I certification classes this season.

MAS (Mountain Adventure Seminars)

Alpine Skills International

Tahoe Mountain School

Sierra Mountain Center

Sierra Mountain Guides

Shasta Mountain Guides

Outdoor Adventure Club

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Expect rain showers off and on through Friday as a small system impacts the region.  Temperatures will remain cool in the upper 50’s to low 60’s during the day with lows in the 40’s at night.  As the weekend approaches, expect a clearing trend to take over with continued seasonally chilly temperatures in the 50’s.  

Surf Around the Region:  

Surf around NorCal continues to be dominated by mid-long period storm swell.  As of this afternoon, buoys off of SF were reporting WNW swells of 11ft coming in at 15 seconds.  SW winds were also hacking up the surf.  If you head out this afternoon, look for sheltered exposures protected from southerly winds.  

Short Term Forecast:  Expect onshore winds to keep conditions pretty junky through Friday.  Once the current storm system moves out of the area, the swell will come down slightly before a new swell fills in that will reach heights of around 15 feet.  Saturday might be a great day to visit Mavericks and see some amazing big wave riding as the winds will have come down and the long period swells will be affecting the region.  If you paddle out, be careful and respect your abilities.

Tides for Thursday, December 18

High Tides: 7:21am at 6.3, 21:11 at 4.4

Low Tides: 1:05 at 2.5, 14:21 at 2.2

Lindamar: Junky storm surf on tap today.  Everything from Taco Bell north isn’t holding up and head high + waves are closing out.  The south end of the beach might have a few smaller waves with rideable corners, but all and all things are fairly disorganized.

Bolinas:  The guys up at Two Mile Surf Shop are reporting poor conditions with few waves making it through the channel or patch.  Water quality is on the poor side too, so it might be best to hop on a bike or trail if you’re up in West Marin.

Ocean Beach:  If you’re superhuman and can paddle out through 12-15ft storm surf, today is your day.  Giant, jacking surf in the triple overhead range dominates.  

Santa Cruz Area:  Usually protected, Santa Cruz is a jumbled, storm surf mess today.  Even small breaks like Cowells are unruly today.  Might be a better bet to go for a hike or decorate the Christmas tree.

There’s fun to be had outside somewhere in Northern California.  Get out and get after it!

Steve