the sand bar conspiracy

jasonq · Since 12 Jan 2009 247 Posts hood river Stoked

is there some secret conspiracy going on?

earlier in the summer, the sand bar came out, event site launch/land ended, and the sand bar promptly disappeared. Friday there was a huge sand bar, event site launch/land ended again, saturday smaller sandbar, then sunday morning, the sand bar all but disappears. Check out how the water level jumped as soon as the event site closed to kiting (this is at the dalles, below the dam).

I was at the marina yesterday playing with the dog, and the entire beach was covered with families. It could have been a bad scene with a bunch of kite traffic.

I think a more permanent high water solution will be needed because i think the sand bar will become more and more unreliable in the early, and now mid season, as time goes on. How about grassing over the spit parking lot, and doing some work on the rocks and bushes that lead into the water to make it more like the event site's grass and gravel? Sure parking would be an issue, and people would have to walk in, but at least it would be a safer launch/ land area and away from other river users.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1865 Posts XTreme Poster

You are 100% correct. I think the Port is working on a flag system for next year based upon water level. "green flag" = launch from ES; "red" = sand. Something like that. This weekend of a jillion kiters trying to launch off of 400 sg ft of rapidly submerging sand is pretty nuts

Eric

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

excuse my ignorance but didn't they increase the flow for the ro sham event?

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

AC · Since 04 Jul 2012 66 Posts **CGKA Member**

It would really help if people just used the sandbar to launch and land, not store their inflated kites. The sandbar on days like yesterday is very precious real estate. Having people leave lines extended, kites, and boards all spread out while going to get a bite or visit with friends or just take a break is really inconsiderate. Inflating multiple kites and leaving them on the sand so you can be ready for varying conditions is also selfish.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Forrest probably has the answers in regards to water level. It is controlled. We are just a spec in the scheme of things when it comes to the dams/water levels. Also, there are other events besides ours. And other issues on the river that you may not be aware of. Such as: Watched a barge go around in circles near Bingen Park. 10 minutes later the Sheriff boat was out there. The Capt had a heart attack at the wheel. I hope he is Okay. Dunno the result of that.

Families. Love them. Great to see, but there is a park just 500 ft away that was clearly provided just for them. Encourage them to go there. It's great & safe. The event site is for sports. That may not be written - but it is the way it is. You wouldn't have a picnic in the middle of a highway. Right? As far as parking your kite (stacking works), landing & launching. Be considerate, help out and chill the attitude. It's a weird water season..go with the flow. Smile

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

It is almost August, and we are no where close to having a full sandbar. I wonder if we will even get a solid land mass this year with no puddles before the fall rains start? I wonder if we will even get a beach at Rooster rock this year? Guess we don't have to worry about any droughts around these parts this year.

Jonpnw · Mon Jul 23, 12 6:39 am

Orange event site fencing around the pump & dry and land/ launch area. A sign warning tourist that this is not a spectator area.

The marina beach is great for families as well as the new beach to the west.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

Jonpnw · Mon Jul 23, 12 7:13 am

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

hoarhey · Since 20 Jul 2008 63 Posts the corridor

Huh? Your so called "conspiracy" is a function of water depth that the Port has no control over. The BPA controls the depth of the Columbia and expect this to be more of normal situation as we have average water years and solid wind for a month.
As an employee at the dam explained it to me: The BPA got in big trouble last year for telling the windmilla to shut down energy production so they could spill release more water by generating more energy through the turbines and dumping it over the top. They got in big trouble since the windmills have the same opportunity to generate electricity as the dams do. Now the BPA has a new problem of water storage. They can't spill more water because the salmon will drown on overoxygenated water. So look forwars these levels being the new norm as long as we have average water levels and plenty of wind.
Or you could do your part and leave on all of your lights to do your part to bring down the river levels.

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

a few things currently contributing to water levels

1- We asked the acoe to lower the water for rosham which they did, a little too much
but they worked with us and we were able to find a nice medium

UNTIL

2- saturday and sunday there were boat races near cascade locks where the organizers asked for higher water levels

in addition
3- there was a fair amount of rain in the area the on thursday.

4- first and foremost salmon and money. They have an obligation to the environment to create a passage for salmon. They are also there to make money/create power and that means spilling water during peak usage and storing when not. the addition of the wind turbines adds a new variable to it all. it is all energy that is being created but can not be stored. By holding water in the the pools between the dams, they are storing energy while it is windy and the wind generators can work.

jasonq · Since 12 Jan 2009 247 Posts hood river Stoked

Humm, i actually didn't think there really was a conspiracy. But the fact that you say there isn't a conspiracy, makes me think there is, and you must be part of it.

but seriously, the point is the sand bar appears to be getting shorter, and the average water levels appear to be rising. And the result is i don't think the sand bar will be reliable in the early/mid (maybe late) season in the coming years. A permanent solution is needed. That solution might be the event site, or improving the spit, or both, or something totally different. Having spent a good deal of time at the marina beach playing fetch with the dog in the shallow water, its hard for me to see the marina beach being about to safely handle more than a few kites at a time during higher water periods.

Nak · Mon Jul 23, 12 1:00 pm

Conspiracy? Of course there's a conspiracy! The government, multi national corporations and TFOTHRWF are behind it. The JFK assassination, 911 and the hatchery plot aren't enough for these basatards. I could tell you more, but they're watching me... Well, OK. They've killed the inventor of a giant SUV that gets 1000 mpg, poisoned our vaccinations, and corrupted the fiberglass and carbon fiber used in kiteboards. Oh shit, I think they're here... Gotta go.

broadbandito · Since 26 Apr 2005 342 Posts CSO headwaters WheatHead

Next thing you know they'll take away the nice soft "sand" and replace it with unruly gravel and rocks. Evil or Very Mad

Sella · Mon Jul 23, 12 2:30 pm

Let's just hope Senora Sandbar sticks around since "kitesurfing" in da Hood seems to be the main reason to live, visit and enjoy the quaint riverfront town.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/20/travel/riverfront-towns/index.html?hpt=hp_bn10