Weather Considerations

Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.

Wind Direction: 120° - 310°

Min: 0mph / Ideal:5-8mph / Max:10mph / Gust:5mph

N winds can create dangerous rotor, that won’t be encountered until a pilot has thermalled high enough to be clear of the wind shadow created by Sheep Mountain.

This area is also known to produce very strong valley winds on thermic days, which can make reaching a safe LZ difficult or impossible if a pilot descends into the valley wind downwind of their intended LZ.

Requirements

Pilots are expected to evaluate the launch, the possible landing areas, the weather, and other conditions.  Flights are at the Pilot's own risk. 

This is a backcountry site with a general recommendation that pilots be P3 level or above.

It is flown infrequently, all hazards inherent to flying a backcountry site in Alaska may be present.

These hazards can include, but are not limited to, water hazards, heinous bushwhacking, animal encounters, weather exposure, extreme terrain and difficult, complex navigation.

Pilots must be comfortable evaluating weather and landing conditions from the air.

This site is located in a complex mountain environment, and strong knowledge of local weather patterns is recommended.

Hazards

The operator of Sheep mountain lodge also flys a helicopter from his lodge and requests that paraglider pilots descend to the north of the runway to avoid conflicting with this helicopter approach.

This is a serious backcountry flying site with wicked thermals that rip up unforgiving terrain.  Most pilots that launch from here, do so with the intention of going cross cross country.

This area is also known to produce very strong valley winds on thermic days, which can make reaching a safe LZ difficult or impossible if a pilot descends into the valley wind downwind of their intended LZ.

In thermic conditions, this site is capable of producing very strong lift, turbulence, and some of the highest cloudbase encountered in Alaska.

Other hikers/spectators/berry pickers may occasionally visit this site and the potential for a conflict exists. Pilots are cautioned to ensure an appropriate distance is maintained between launch and landing activities and the public.  Pilots are expected communicate to the public as needed to maintain clearances. 

This is a natural mountain site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many natural mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots. 

There may be no cell phone reception in many backcountry areas.  Pilots are expected to be prepared for self-rescue and by carrying Spot, InReach or other non-cell based communication equipment.

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.