[pct-l] Cascade snow depth

[waynekraft at verizon.net (Wayne Kraft)]

There is a nordic ski race held each year which involves either skiing from 
west to east over McKenzie Pass or from the east side (Sisters) snow gate up 
to the pass and down again.  It is traditionally held in early April and is 
scheduled for April 2 this year.  I got curious as to whether or not there 
would likely be enough snow for this event.  Look at these snow depths:
http://www.frii.com/global-cgi-bin/cgiwrap/cpacheco/work/snow/snow_update_2.cgi?area=oreg&format=1

McKenzie Pass is now down to 14 inches.  High temps today were in the low 
70's in Sisters and no rain or snow is predicted for the next several days. 
I am thinking roller blades will win this event.  Also look at some of the 
other rather remarkable numbers. A half inch of snow at Clackamas Lake (near 
Timothy Lake 25 mi. south of Mt. Hood).  If that's correct it will be gone 
tomorrow.  And speaking of  gone, no snow at Diamond Lake at 5315 ft?  Zero? 
Zilch?

My concern for this summer is fire danger.  Major, my telepathic dog, and I 
went up to the Wildwood Trail in Portland's Forest Park this afternoon.  It 
was dusty.  Last time I went running up there in March I came home looking 
like an ugly, flat-chested reject from a Las Vegas mud wrestling meet.  I 
know fire officials and insurance underwriters (especially insurance 
underwriters) are scared spitless about what might happen to Portland if 
Forest Park ever goes up.  Might change the name to Fuel Park. Anyway, I 
think this would be good year for a cold, wet spring.

Wayne Kraft