|
 Bob's
best bet for wind - Sunday June 21/09 1200 MST
Yeahoo ... it was great to be back on the water again
last week!
It looks like we will be into a westerly flow in
southern Alberta for the first half of the week! Monday at Keho
should be clearing, 20C and wind becoming 30 - 50WSW in the late
afternoon / evening ... the Oldman will pump up to the 40 - 60SW
range. Tuesday looks sunny, 25C and wind increasing to 30ish SW
later in the afternoon ... the Oldman will be 30 - 50SW.
The westerly flow looks to continue on Wednesday and Thursday
... I know what I'll be doin'!
When there is a westerly flow, it is always windy close to the
mountains earlier in the day, at Pincher Creek / Oldman Dam ...
the wind spreads out over the prairies later (You can actually
do a bit of work and then catch an afternoon or evening session
at Keho). The rule of thumb is if it blowing 30k at Claresholm,
turn and go to Keho ... if the wind at Claresholm is very light,
keep on going to the Oldman. Claresholm is actually in the wind
shadow of the Porcupine hills, so do not expect strong Westerly
winds there ... usually if its 30kW at Claresholm, it will be 60+
at Keho Lake!
Atmospheric and Oceanic conditions during the past month continued
to reflect a nuetral condition,
as observed by the NOAA Climate
Prediction Centers Seasonal Outlook. Conditions are favorable
for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niño conditions
during June - August 2009. Both the Canadian and American long
range models are predicting that May, June and July will
be a little drier than normal conditions in southern
Alberta.
The water is warming up ...
a 4/3mm steamer in comfortable. With the new super
stretchy rubber ... the thick suits are very flexible and comfortable
... and of course, warm. Try it ... you'll like it!
Be careful out on the water ... it still is pretty
chilly ... you are on your own. There is no rescue
service!
The Ranch is looking great, Kitebeach,
the Graineries and Kehokipa are
all in great shape ... its time to play. Remember ... be a good
citizen and pack out your garbage. Try to leave these places better
than you find them. We use these places by the grace of AB Environment
... its best if we don't give them any reasons to doubt there decisions.
St Mary Reservoir REPORT – from last Summer
2008:
Great spots, easy access, good for beginners easy
walk back.
At South St Mary we had Flat water 1 inch waves at most, no weeds,
1 km of straight screaming reaches in flat water.
Room for 8 to 10 kiters.
There are 2 more spots that I scouted (see red scout pins) good
for pickup and the eastern scout pin is good for kiting. Unlimited
room.
Windsurfing and Kiting are probably fantastic at the East Scout
pin – flat near shore, huge waves offshore.
Wind direction South to North and all the westerlies are good.
Typically St Mary blows better than the Oldman Dam or similar to
it but not gusty like Windy Point.
Nearest town for food and weather info is Cardston 10 minutes away
Campground at east end is nice and you can windsurf right out the
tent, but bring bug spray.
Thanks to Laurent Marechal for the map and the
info!
The
Ranch is closed.
There will be a locked gate off the main road. Those campers
that have seasonal spots will open the gate when they are on
site. If the gate is open, kite ranch is open!! There is a firepit
and washrooms ... and best of all, Gord's pride and joy, new
horseshoes pits! It is the place to camp at Keho lake. Wind direction
is side onshore at the end of the point, but side offshore below
the point when its SW ...
If riding out of the
Ranch ... please do not drive your vehicle out on
the point. It is a condition of the lease, that vehicles are
not allowed past the camping area. Somebody was out on it on
last week ... bad boys!
See you on the water!
aloha, bob |
