Weather Links
Western Washington flying offers spectacular views of volcanic mountains, the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, from sites such as Blanchard, Tiger Mt, and Whidbey Island. These sites are greatly influenced by coastal weather, and offer both cross-country and ridge soaring flight.
As with any mountain site, you will need to be tuned into the micrometeorology of each site. The coastal humidity and abundance of trees create wonderful, generally smooth thermals and late afternoon soaring, however can also be windy, have strong thermals and turbulent if you pick the wrong conditions.
The ridge soaring sites such as Whidbey Island and Blanchard can be wonderful when they’re working, but your kiting and high wind skills need to be dialed in.
Weather to look for in the mountains will be current and forecasted winds, winds aloft, and thermic potential. For the ridge soaring sites, wind direction and speed will be your biggest concern. As with any site on the west side, look out for rain!
Below are some helpful resources for evaluating weather in Western Washington:
Current Conditions
Tiger Mt
Blanchard
Whidbey Island
Soaring Forecasts
Pass Conditions
Eastern Washington flying has much to offer for paragliding pilots. These flying sites are located on the leeward side of the Cascade Range and transition from mountain sites such as Leavenworth and Methow Valley, to the foothills and flatlands such as Chelan and Baldy Butte.
Long cross country flights can be made from most of these sites, however the conditions in the summertime require a pilot to have an understanding of micro meteorology and solid glider management skills for flying mid-day.
All of these sites can be quite windy, and the thermal strength at some of the sites such as Chelan can go over 1800 fpm (9 m/s) on a regular basis in the summer.
Be cautious when flying any of these sites with in windy/thermic conditions, as they can be quite turbulent.
Things to look for in your weather report for any of the Eastern Washington sites are current and forecasted winds, winds aloft, thermic potential for the day. Humidity and barometric pressure can affect how the texture of the air as well.
Below are some helpful resources for evaluating weather in Eastern Washington:
Current Conditions
Soaring Forecasts
Windgrams Soaring Forecasts
Pass Conditions