45.64 | -121.94
Bonneville Dam is a kitesurfing spot on the Columbia River on the Washington side, in the western part of the Columbia River Gorge, near the Bonneville Dam. This spot is in the narrowest and most forested gorge section, where the Venturi effect is particularly powerful. The historic Bonneville Dam, built in 1938, is one of the first major dams on the Columbia River. Westerly thermal winds are channeled through the natural gorge corridor, providing powerful and consistent conditions.
Fresh water from the Columbia River, cool (11-17°C in summer). 3/2 to 4/3 wetsuit recommended. Constant river current at 3-5 km/h westward, reinforced in this narrow section. Short, choppy waves typical of the Gorge. Westerly thermal winds at 20-35 knots from May to September. The river is relatively narrow in this section, amplifying wind and current.
Intermediate
Open all year round
Proximity to Bonneville Dam: strictly respect exclusion zones around the dam, extremely dangerous currents. Reinforced river current in this narrow section. Barges and commercial traffic. Thermal winds that can exceed 35 knots with violent gusts. Rocks along the steep banks. Railroad tracks along both shores. Cold water risking hypothermia. Dam locks creating unpredictable current variations.
07:15 | 19:16
Currently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project
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