The Last Hurrah.

We had a decent little system come through California last Tuesday.  Down here in Southern California is was very windy in the desert.  Pulling into Palm Springs on Sunday evening, we could barely see 30 yards ahead of us due to blowing dust.  That same wind ushered in cool and wet airmass to some parts of the state.  Kirkwood got a foot of snow Monday night into Tuesday.  I was walking down to the beach in the rain just south of San Clemente early on Tuesday morning.  It was not too much suffering, as the sun soon came out, and a decent south swell was hitting the cobblestones.  That decent little system may have been the final throes of a winter that really dies out just after the start of the new year. Bottom line is that you best begin watching your water usage and conserve as much as possible.  Expect restrictions come summer.

Still snow up at Kirkwood.  The Cirque is always closed, but still looks fun.

Looking ahead things are looking fairly placid.  The winds from early in the week have mellowed, and air temperatures are on the increase.  The north west winds will see a bump up on Saturday, so expect gusty conditions returning along the coast and across ridge tops.  Still, not quite like Monday and Tuesday.  That should subside a bit Sunday and more so on Tuesday.  We are clearly in a spring mode now, so you can expect a fair amount of afternoon see breeze on any given day.  Sunshine and warmth will be the name of the game.  In town, expect low to mid 70s today, building to the upper 70s by Sunday.  We could very well hit 85F on Monday, which will be the peak for the period.  Based on what I am seeing on the charts, the marine layer should be held at bay.  Still, I'll be in SoCal until Sunday, so I can't really look out my window to get any visual clues.  After Monday, things begin to cool off back into the 70s for mid week and the upper 60s by the end of next work week.  Pleasant weather through out with sun being the name of the game.  Wear some sunblock if you go out to play.

The decent south swell we saw arrive earlier this week will be gone ofter today's small remnents pass through.  Not much on tap for the weekend other than some small weak wind swell and some very small and very steep south.  By Monday things should start to get a bit better with a series of small to moderate souths filling in.  Wednesday is looking to be the peak day with chest to head high surf at southerly exposures.  The north Pacific is shutting down for the most part, but there are still some smaller, weaker systems moving through that could end up sending us some mid period swell.  Don't hold your breath though.  Try to get out early if you plan to hit the exposed coast, as those spring time winds will be picking up early most days.  Ski resorts close down after this weekend in Tahoe, but if you feel a need to get some lift served turns in, Mammoth will be open until Memorial Day.  And those mountain passes should open up soon.  And finally, word is that the mountain biking is really good in Tahoe right now with the snow melting off and the trails smooth and tacky.  I'll try to get out next week around Wilder and get some first hand opinions on the single track near home.