We're paying money for THIS?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Is this just a Gorge thing, or is it universal?

"Solid, gusty westerly push for the Corridor eastward.

7AM UPDATE: yada yada yada

Oregon Coast: yada

Lower Columbia/Western Gorge: Yada.

Corridor: yada

Near East: yada

East (Celilo to Port Kelley): yada ... but check back in the morning."

Um ... it IS morning (7:28 ) But as happens VERY often, the update crew just reprints old text and numerical charts without actually updating them, leaving big contradictions between their words and their numbers.

C'mon, guys ... do I spend a day and $70 on gasoline on this self-contradictory forecast or just ignore it and go with the many other forecasts that were actually updated this morning?

wynsurfer · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 940

I would'nt pay a dime for iwindsurf forecasts or anything else they offer for that matter. Like paying a gypsy for your fortune. I gave up long ago chasing the wind based on these forecasts only to be skunked more often than not.

No confidence. With good reason.

fxop · Joined: 13 Jun 1998 Posts: 202

Here in SF Bay we get what appear to be good faith forecasts on about 10 different micro-climates. I especially like Mike Godsey's forecasts. Our gridlock is getting worse and worse, and it helps to have a forward view of the cycle to plan your driving.

fxop

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

forecasts are no better than statistics.

sensors? priceless

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

If I only sailed here when the forecast or sensors said there was wind my gear would leave storage once a month in the summer.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

IIRC, "Here" for you is the Seattle area. Since the Gorge is just a few hours away, I'd think the forecasts and sometimes current conditions would be of great use. We have guys coming from Spokane for one-day trips. It's roughly the same distance, and unless the forecast is a bust, they consider it worth the trip. Of course, that depends on which forecasts one uses and on which one happens to be right that day.

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

I'm 2 hours (no traffic) north of Seattle. "Day of" forecasts for the gorge are useless to trip plan.

DanWeiss · Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 2296 Location: Connecticut, USA

I use the Pro Meteorlogical Forecast for Southern Massachusetts and find them very reliable if somewhat conservative. That’s an error I find quite acceptable.