Description
The Woodlot is a fantastic LZ. It's a decommissioned landfill that is spacious, mostly free of brush, and aligned with the predominate valley winds. It's most often used by those that fail to connect with thermals when crossing Eagle River valley from Baldy.
After the landfill was decommissioned, the site was used as a collection area for wood and brush where it would be chipped and hauled off. It was around that time that cross country flights were starting to happen more frequently and the site name of "Woodlot" has stuck ever since. It's been many years since the area was used as a woodlot and it's now used most often by neighborhood locals as an unimproved recreational area.
Weather Considerations
On thermic days, a strong up-valley flow typically develops in Eagle River and this flow can accelerate significantly around the entrance corners of the valley. The woodlot is situated at the south entrance of Eagle River valley in a region where accelerated flow can be expected making penetration to the LZ from the east difficult - particularly if you're arriving low. Be sure to cross the valley high and far enough to the west that you can easily make the LZ in the strong valley winds.
Requirements
This is an unmanaged site and there are no requirements for landing here.
Hazards
- A large powerline runs up-valley along the mountains to the south of this LZ.
- There's a prison about 1/2 mile to the north of the Woodlot. Avoid being low over the prison and don't land there!
- The landing area is very large and it's easy to avoid the few folks that might be recreating in the area.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying conditions listed in this Site Guide reflect the experience of the authors of the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes substantially, from those described. These descriptions may not be relevant to the possible experience of any other pilot, particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the Site.