Forecasting Tips

• Look for a forecast with SW to W winds. The more W in the wind, the higher the likelihood of the rotor from right of launch and sheer across the face of the mountain. The more E, the more rotor from the left of launch.

• Ideal winds are 6 MPH at 6000 ’MSL (AKA mountain top height). If the base wind at 3000’ is higher than 10mph, it will be challenging to climb without drifting behind the mountain.

• Cloudbase/Top of Lift is ideally at least 8000’MSL. Lower than this, it is very difficult to accomplish XC crossings.

• Plenty of sun to create thermals. As a southwest-facing site, the best cross country conditions exist between 10am  and 2pm, when sun has had time to heat both the valley and launch-side of the mountain.

• Light S/SWwinds aloft (<10MPH from 7000-12000’MSL)

• High potential for overdevelopment, as thunderstorms can form quickly and create dangerous gust fronts, precipitation, and cloud-suck.

• Sources for Weather information 

• Windy

• Wind Alert

• The Flathead Avalanche Center Maintains a weather station near the summit of Mt Aeneas

• Kalispell airport’s Winds Aloft forecast

• Oftentimes the upper level winds are stronger than the wind felt on launch. It is important to know the winds aloft forecast. 

Checkerboard Launch should only be flown in optimal conditions based on the Parameters the FVSA BOD has designated as safe. 

• The Rocky Mountain Front weather is changing constantly and should not be ignored