can anyone tell me how to get to a good snowkite spot

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 764 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

i have plans all weekend but, would like to hear how it goes.

thanks for keeping the stoke up for us desk jockeys!!

kt

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Still looks like the forecast above the Dalles is 10-13pmh....Hopefully it picks up.

Here is the Govie Forecast

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

We're up, going to be looking around soon...

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

OK, so, i did sooooo much looking around last night on the web. I found like 12 different possible locales to scope around trout lake. I have a killer topo map of troutlake and 15 mile west of it and 10 miles north. Anyway, here is the list of spots i thought that would be worth checking out and links to their forecasts and google terrain maps. I started scoping goldendale as well, but it was like 3am when i got done with all this so i went to bed.

Bear in mind, this is just speculation, i have not been to these spots, i just think they are worth taking the time to go and scope out and make sure there aren't fekking trees in the way. anyway, the forecast for the dalles mountain ranch are all calling for like 6 - 7mph. hopefully the forecasts for the areas around trout lake i found last night have held or improve. ok here is the goods, if anyone has been to any of these spots and can shed some more info on them, that would be greatly appreciated. the forecast links are for spots as close as i could find on the NWS site with the same lat/long.

the dalles mountain ranch probably wont work tomorrow because a 5 easterly changing southeasterly probably wont be no fun. Ya never know things can change overnight, but i found quite a few more spots. Here is the noaa link for the dalles mountain ranch.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=94&map.y=174

troutlake has a few spots i think, tons to explore. the first and easiest would be troutlake meadows which is just a couple miles north and a little west of troutlake. Saturday: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 30. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming west southwest. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=21&map.y=135

here is another forecast for 4 miles NNW of troutlake, probably in trout lake creek canyon before it runs into trout lake meadows. Saturday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 29. Light wind becoming south southwest between 10 and 13 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&t=p&om=1&ll=46.054054,-121.538143&spn=0.092563,0.159645&z=13
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=22&map.y=131

the smith butte surounding areas have potential if it is not covered with trees. http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=46.074541,-121.465187&spn=0.092529,0.159645&t=p&z=13&om=1 and noaa

south of smith butte
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=186&map.y=122
http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=46.074541,-121.465187&spn=0.092529,0.159645&t=p&z=13&om=1
Today: Periods of snow. Temperature falling to around 20 by 4pm. Breezy, with a southwest wind 9 to 12 mph increasing to between 19 and 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible

here is another noaa from an area just ESE of smith butte, called king mountain. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=40&map.y=131
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Light wind becoming south southwest between 14 and 17 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
damn i like this new google terrain, http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&om=1&ll=46.055484,-121.4221&spn=0.075169,0.107803&z=13

west of troutlake has a whole lot of terrain. so start around here,
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&ll=46.024621,-121.704483&spn=0.185225,0.4319&t=p&z=12&om=1
explorable terrain continues west all the way to windy river rd which you can see in this one
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&ll=45.982888,-121.80748&spn=0.185365,0.4319&t=p&z=12&om=1

so basically going west from trout lake until you hit windy river rd.

south of sugarbowl butte (which is west of trout lake)
45.972271,-121.59256
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&t=p&om=1&ll=45.975373,-121.592216&spn=0.092695,0.159645&z=13
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=16&map.y=142
Today:Scattered snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 29. South southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible

west of flattop mtn, little north of petersen ridge
46.022595,-121.645603
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PDT&llon=-121.708747&rlon=-119.856247&tlat=47.027084&blat=45.174584&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=7&map.y=137
Today: Periods of snow. High near 26. Southeast wind 8 to 17 mph becoming southwest. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible. Might be good here today.
Sunday: Periods of snow. High near 37. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 24 mph increasing to between 31 and 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

north of petersen butte, west of petersen ridge
46.002208,-121.688004
http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&om=1&ll=46.010912,-121.692467&spn=0.092636,0.159645&z=13
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=201&map.y=125
Today: Periods of snow. High near 26. Southeast wind 8 to 17 mph becoming southwest. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Sunday: Periods of snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. Breezy, with a south southwest wind between 18 and 28 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

south of lone butte
46.014608,-121.833916
http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&om=1&ll=46.029985,-121.837177&spn=0.092604,0.21595&z=13
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=171&map.y=125
Today: Periods of snow. Temperature rising to near 24 by 1pm, then falling to around 20 during the remainder of the day. Southeast wind 8 to 17 mph becoming west southwest. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Sunday: Periods of snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. Windy, with a south southwest wind between 24 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 16 inches possible.

clear lake (very center of the area)
46.02331,-121.782675

forlon lakes road
45.929662,-121.726112
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&t=p&om=1&ll=45.929662,-121.726112&spn=0.092772,0.159645&z=13
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=187&map.y=145
Today: Periods of snow. High near 27. East southeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Sunday: Periods of snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 37. Breezy, with a south southwest wind between 18 and 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

the next areas will probably have to be accessed by going to carson then up windy river rd.

west of berry mountain
45.929662,-121.726112
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=45.929662,-121.726112&spn=0.092716,0.159645&t=p&z=13&iwloc=addr
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=193&map.y=140

west of red mtn
45.95831,-121.852455
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=trout+lake,+wa&ie=UTF8&om=1&t=p&ll=45.95831,-121.852455&spn=0.185447,0.31929&z=12&iwloc=addr
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=PQR&llon=-122.693747&rlon=-121.416247&tlat=46.642084&blat=45.367084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=165&map.y=136
Today: Periods of snow. High near 28. East southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Sunday: Periods of snow before 10am, then periods of rain. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. High near 37. South southwest wind between 18 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Some of the other info i could find is that Smith butte has a sno park so i imagine at least some of the roads will be manageable. It seems like there are lots of roads to the different spots out in troutlake which would make access easy provided the roads are open. Almost every spot i've listed above is just a flat land area with a road nearby to stop at but then lots of the spots are fairly large open spaces of atleast a mile or two.

the thing i'm most worried about is there not being BIG open fields; but that is what scouting is all about right Wink

please, if anybody has ever scouted these spots, give us your insight.

mamann · Since 16 Jul 2007 77 Posts Goldendale

I'm right outside of Goldendale. I have at least a foot of snow at the house. In town it's more like 6". Everything is covered in the whole valley. It looks great because most of the fields are farmed, so they are very smooth and covered in snow, not many trees to speak of. The only problem is that it's all privately owned, and I have yet to find someone to let me use their land(although I've only asked two landowners so far). Out toward Centerville and High Praire look good also, they probably have more snow. If anyone knows someone with some acreage out here it would be worth while to check out.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Lightwinds but tons of potential east of Dallesport on Dalles Mt Road.

Tucker, NateDogg, Kodiak, Chanson, Mixwell, Tony, and Manamann all in attendance.

Supposed to be more wind Sunday!

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

lots of fun, and holy potential!!

here r some pic.. Very Happy

might have some freezing rain later, but tomm. hopefully will be better..

spike_101 · Since 29 Jan 2007 87 Posts

That is sick! What location were you guys at Dalles Mt raod? I would love to hit it. I think i may get up early and try it out. Let me know where its at as early as possible. Try to hit it before work.

mamann · Since 16 Jul 2007 77 Posts Goldendale

The Wind is here. Maybe too much. Right now it's 25 gusting to 35 in High Prairie. http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KWALYLE4

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

wind! sweet, that sensor is in a nice spot. USSnowkite said to check the dallesport sensor and its only reading 4 from the NNW. Seems like the station you posted is in a better spot for determining the wind on the ridge.

Te details on the spot are here:

http://ussnowkite.blogspot.com/2005/12/snowkiting-gorge-guide-part-1.html

See ya all up there today.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

So, you guys are going up again...? Meadows just got dumped on, but yesterday was sweet. hmmm.. Any word on the freezing rain..? What do you think the eleveation was up there?

-wind is free

mamann · Since 16 Jul 2007 77 Posts Goldendale

We got another 4" of snow last night, no freezing rain. It's about 2200' up there and I'm at the same elevation. The temp is up to 37 and rising, SW 10 gusting to 20mph at my place, and it's S 20 gusting 35 in High Prarie at the monemt.
The forcast for the area Today:

Snow and light sleet in the morning...then light freezing rain...snow and light sleet in the afternoon. Not as cold. Total snow and sleet accumulation 6 to 10 inches. Ice accumulation around one quarter of an inch. Highs 37 to 43. South wind 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.

I'm in, anyone else?

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

We r headed out from Ptown in 30 min.

-c u guys there. Very Happy

p.s.- we might need more beer today.

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

Yes, I agree....looks like a pretty sick spot...you just park, and wha-la..., your there.....Big mellow rolling hills with all kinds of space....
This is what the parking area looks like...

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Think it's really worth it today? I have 7/9/11 REVs which I don't really want to ride up there and a Ranger 9.

spike_101 · Since 29 Jan 2007 87 Posts

So i wasnt able to make it but i would like to know how it went today. Lets see some more pics!!

seamonkey · Since 02 Dec 2007 12 Posts Seattle,WA New Member

Would anyone like to meet me at Mt.Rainier next weekend? I talked to d public resta ranger yesterday at the Jackson memorial center at Paradise and they now have 5 feet of powder. Some snowboarders were there when I spoke with him. I asked him about kiting and he sounded interested when I explained to him how it was the same as snowboarding, but with " a little " help from a kite. If you hav'nt been to paradise check it out online. You don't need a sled to get there! Just drive right up to 5600 feet and park in the public lot. Today it was gusting to 60 mph with whiteout conditions so I'll shoot for next weekend.