Happy Groundhog Day!

UPDATED: Monday, February 2, 1:30pm

Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day 2015.  Source: Washington Post

Summary:

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning: it looks like we have another 6 weeks of winter to look forward to.  While the East Coast has been shivering and digging out from snow, we continue to live in the non-winter of 2015.  For the first half of the week, the weather will be the same as it has been for the past month: cool nights and warm days under sunny skies.  No snow is in the forecast for Tahoe for at least the first half of the week.  At the beaches a new swell has arrived from the west producing some fun, chest-head high surf.  

Around Tahoe:

I feel like a broken record, but at least for the first half of the week, no changes are in store.  In the Sierra, highs will be in the 40’s and 50’s depending on your elevation and lows will be at or below freezing.  The big news is that the forecast models are beginning to show a possible series of storms coming into the region this weekend.  There is great uncertainty as to whether or not they will drop far enough south to drop some significant precip.  Sadly, the first storm is looking very warm with snow levels in the 9,000-10,000ft range (only a few peaks in Tahoe have summits over 10,000ft.).  Later in the weekend we could see another storm with possibly lower snow levels.  This is still nearly a week away, so confidence in how much and what kind of precip Tahoe will receive is low.  However, it’s great to see some different weather on the horizon.  

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.  Be on the lookout for rocks, branches and everything that could poke through the shallow snowpack.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The non-winter conditions continue.  Expect highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s under some passing high clouds around the area through midweek.  

This weekend the UD crew had a blast out in Marin on Saturday along the Cataract Falls trail.  There wasn’t a ton of water in Cataract Creek, but the hike was beautiful and the views from high on the slopes of Mt. Tam were spectacular.   

Surf Around the Region:  

A new midperiod swell is now hitting our beaches and the waves look fun!  Play hookie and paddle out if you can.  I surfed out in Pacifica twice this weekend and the waves were great, so great that I ended up staying out under the full moon on Saturday night.  

Don’t forget about the new Learn to Surf Series starting up in February in Pacifica.  Sign up and let me teach you to surf!

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 2, 2015

Sunrise: 7:13am, Sunset 5:34pm
Low Tide: 4:05am at 2.5ft/ 16:50 at -0.2ft.
High Tide: 10:08am 6.2ft./  23:52 at 5.1ft.

Have a great week and get outside however you can!

SB

Time to Break Out

UPDATED: Friday, January 30, 2015: 4:00pm

Hawaii?  No.  Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Jan. 24, 2015.  Photo: Sachi Cunningham @seasachi

Summary:

You’ve done it again: survived another work week. Now it’s time to get outside and play!  Don’t forget that tomorrow afternoon I’m hosting a hike to Cataract Falls in Marin. Sign up now if you haven’t already!

Expect yet another weekend of great weather for getting outside around Northern California.  Around the Bay Area expect highs in the low to mid 60’s all weekend with sunny to partly cloudy skies.  Tahoe will see temps warming into the 50’s during the day under sunshine while at the coast waves are mainly in the head high range, but pretty disorganized.

Around Tahoe:

The drought continues.  For those of you headed up for the UD North Shore Beginner’s Weekend, be sure to bring the sunscreen!  The days on the mountain will be warm and sunny, perfect for getting a tan or sporting a t-shirt on the hill.  Most resorts are still holding onto their snowpack, especially on the upper mountains, so inbounds coverage is still looking good.  Gusty winds could affect some of the higher resorts this weekend, but in general expect another warm, sunny weekend of spring skiing.  

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.  Be aware of some warm snow instabilities on E-S-W aspects that could crop up later on in the day this weekend.  Be on the lookout for rollerballs and point release slides to indicate warming instabilities.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

More of the same for hiking this weekend: highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s under brilliant blue skies.  Get out and enjoy it.  I plan on doing some trail running along the coast in addition to heading out to Cataract Falls.  The conditions couldn’t be better.

Surf Around the Region:  

Last weekend’s epic conditions and the associated photos (see above) continue to make their way around the web.  This weekend the surf has backed off in size and quality quite considerably.  Expect most breaks to be in the head high range with a short period, somewhat disorganized swell in the region.  Sunday a new swell is forecast to arrive and coupled with light winds, it might produce some good conditions out at the beaches.  

Don’t forget about the new Learn to Surf Series starting up in February in Pacifica.  Sign up and let me teach you to surf!

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 30, 2015:

Sunrise 0715, Sunset 1731
  Low Tide:  0132   2.6
 High Tide:  0752   6.2
  Low Tide:  1453  -0.1
 High Tide:  2153   4.8

Enjoy your weekend!

SB

Return to Springuary

UPDATED: Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 2:30pm

Summary:

Beyond a few clouds that covered the region yesterday, the small system that moved through failed to bring any relief with the drought.  Tahoe resorts picked up a few inches of snow, but nothing more than a cosmetic dusting.  The second half of the work week will bring sunny skies with highs in the low 60’s and lows in the 40’s to the Bay Area.  Surf around the region is fun sized and clean with head high surf and clean conditions at most breaks.

Around Tahoe:

Squaw and Alpine both reported 4 inches of new snow from the small system that came through yesterday, a pittance compared to the huge snow deficit that we’re experiencing and it was the only measurable snowfall of the month.  Some snow is better than no snow and it sure made the mountains look great:

A dry pattern has returned and the next few days will bring sunny skies and highs near 50 to the Tahoe Sierra.  The wait continues for a big storm...

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 prevails the backcountry.  Below 8000ft. coverage is minimal.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The dry pattern means great weather around the Bay Area will prevail.  Highs for the rest of the week will be in the low 60’s with cool morning lows in the upper 40’s.  Sunny skies will dominate, so be sure to eat lunch outside or go for a run in the middle of the day if you can.  The weekend’s looking stellar too, perfect for the upcoming Cataract Falls Hike in Marin.

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf out at Ocean Beach and in Pacifica is great right now.  If you can, drop your work, grab your board and start riding the head high beauties coming in.  Waves should remain in the good quality range through tomorrow before onshore winds and a short period swell arrive, chopping things up a bit.  Don’t forget that the Learn to Surf Series starts next month on Feb 22 in Pacifica!  Sign up now!

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 28, 2015

Sunrise: 7:15am/ Sunset: 5:30pm

High Tide: 6:01am at 6.2ft/ 19:48 at 4.2ft

Low Tide: 13:00am at 0.5ft

SB

Rain? What's that?

UPDATED: Monday, January 26, 2015: 6:00pm

Summary:

I hope everyone is settling back into the grind nicely after an amazing weather weekend in Northern California.  Along the coast, we had two gorgeous, warm, sunny days.  I led a crew of UD hikers out to Arch Rock in Point Reyes National Seashore and we had an amazing time.

Starting off the week expect highs around the Bay near 60 with lows in the upper 40’s.  We might see a chance of rain Monday night through Tuesday.  Up in Tahoe, expect a chance of rain and snow Tuesday and Tuesday night.  At the beaches surf will continue to be large and powerful, but it will back off as the week progresses before another swell makes its way into the area in time for the weekend.

Around Tahoe:

It’s been almost a month since the last measurable snowfall up in Tahoe and we’re in desperate need of a storm.  Over the next three days, a small system will impact the area with rain and snow, but accumulations will be light and insignificant relative to the need for snow.  The mountains above 7000ft. might get a few inches before the system moves out of the area by Wednesday and we return to a dry pattern for at least another week.  

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.  The coming storm could produce small wind slabs on high ridgelines if more snow falls than expected.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The skies clouded over today for the first time in a few weeks as this small system approaches the area.  We could get a few light showers Monday night through Tuesday night, but don’t expect a gullywasher.  Highs will be around 60 for most areas with lows in the 40’s.  By Wednesday we’ll return to mild and dry weather for the foreseeable future.  

Surf Around the Region:  

Big, powerful surf has been in the region for the past few days creating amazing conditions at Ocean Beach.  Surfline.com’s even running features about the past weekend:

A new WNW swell arrived in the region today producing 10-12ft. waves at Ocean Beach and other exposed breaks.  More sheltered spots will have smaller surf.  The swell will back off throughout the week before another 10 foot plus swell arrives in the region in time for the weekend.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 26, 2015

Sunrise: 7:16am/ Sunset: 5:28pm

High Tide: 4:11am at 6.1ft/ 18:51 at 4.4ft

Low Tide: 10:34am at 1.2ft/ 22:13 at 1.5ft

SB

Surfing Bliss

The Heart & The Sea: Official Trailer from Nathan Oldfield on Vimeo.

Check out this film that I came across last night.  Blissful, golden days surfing beautiful waves.  

A Weekend to Get Outside!

UPDATED: Friday, January 23, 2015: 9:30am

Don’t forget that Sunday I’m leading a Whale Watching Hike out at Point Reyes National Seashore.  Join us for a beautiful day of hiking along the coast!

Summary:

Get ready for a weekend of record warm temperatures from Tahoe to the Coast.  Sunny skies will prevail around the region bringing highs up to near 70 on Sunday.  Tahoe will see sunshine and highs in the 50’s, so if you head up the hill, it could be the perfect time to ski in a t-shirt.  Surf around the region is pumping too as a new swell just arrived from the W and will remain large all weekend.

Around Tahoe:

The great wait for snow continues.  In the meantime, why not just enjoy what we have and embrace it?  This weekend will feel like spring with highs in the 50’s under sunny skies.  Hit the hill with a t-shirt and sunscreen, grab a cold beverage at lunch and soak up some rays.  Isn’t this one of the reasons that California is so awesome?  No seasonal affective disorder around here.  If you’re not feeling like skiing, this would be an ideal weekend to get out on a road or mountain bike up in the Sierra.  Snow cover is sparse below 8000ft and trails that would typically be under feet of snow are wide open.  

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.  Warming during the day may cause some wet snow instabilities on E-S-W aspects.  Watch for obstacles poking through the thin snowpack if you do head out.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Get outside and enjoy the near record warmth this weekend.  Yes, the weather shouldn’t be like this, but we might as well make the most of it.  Throughout the weekend expect highs in the upper 60’s to near 70 on Sunday, which will be our warmest day.  Some high clouds may stream into the region from time to time, but don’t expect any rain.

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf really picked up in the past 24 hours with a long period, large W swell arriving.  Earlier in the week this swell produced massive surf in Hawai’i and now it’s our turn.  Big wave magnets around the area will be exciting to watch, but take caution if getting in the water.  Smaller breaks like the south side of Lindamar in Pacifica and Bolinas in Marin might be the only user friendly surf destinations this weekend.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 23, 2015

Sunrise: 7:18am/ Sunset: 5:25pm

High Tide: 1:50 at 5.8ft/ 13:21 at 6.1ft

Low Tide: 7:11 at 1.7ft/ 19:35 at -0.4ft

SB

The King Tides Are Here!

UPDATED: Wednesday, January 21, 2015: 9:30am

I hope those who had Monday off enjoyed their time and got outside!  I spent the weekend with a great crew up in Big Basin State Park.  We camped, hiked, ate and indulged in copious amounts of laughter around the campfire.

Summary:

The biggest story outside this week is the king tides!  Each year the sun, earth and moon align in just the right way to create massive tidal swings along the coast.  Don’t be surprised if you run across some minor coastal flooding over the next few days.  Weatherwise, the Bay Area will see more beautiful weather with highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s.  Later in the week temps will climb near 70 in some locations.  Around Tahoe, expect sunny weather with spring temps on the mountains.  The beaches are hosting some powerful swell in addition to the big tides.

Around Tahoe:

Snow is not in the forecast for at least another week.  Luckily it continues to be cold during the evenings, so snow melt is slower than it could be and the resorts are maintaining their coverage with snowmaking.  The ski season is still here; it’s just taken a brief excursion to spring for the time being.  Expect highs over the next few days in the 40’s, approaching 50 by the weekend.  Sunny skies will prevail and temps will start to warm further into the weekend.  The next hint at a pattern change back to winter looks like the beginning of January.  Headed to the hill?  Bring a t-shirt, take a selfie and send it to your shivering friends back East.

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.  Warming during the day may cause some wet snow instabilities on E-S-W aspects.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The one upside to the drought and warmth is that January doesn’t feel like winter at all around the Bay.  Sunny skies with highs in the 60’s that will be warming towards 70 over the weekend will be sticking around for the near term.  Get out for an evening hike, snack in a park or just lunch outside.  Wildflowers are even starting to make an appearance around the area.

Wildflowers along CA 1 near Davenport

Surf Around the Region:  

Solid WNW swell in the overhead to double overhead range continues to pulse into the region today and tomorrow.  A new, big swell will arrive on Friday and Saturday.  Head on over to Pacifica, Bolinas or Santa Cruz for user friendly surf.  Beware of the king tides as they’ll likely swamp out many locations at their peak.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

January 21, 2015

Sunrise: 7:19am/ Sunset: 5:23pm

High Tide: 12:27 at 5.4ft/ 11:36 at 6.8ft

Low Tide: 5:21 at 2.1ft/ 18:05 at -1.2ft

SB