Harp Mountain

61.236219, -149.411316
Updated January 8, 2025

Description

Pilot Recommendations

 

P3 skills recommended

 

In person site intro recommended,

especially for pilots flying XC

Weather Conditions

Wind Direction: Almost any from the summit

Recommended: 320º-40º OR 220º-140º

PG:

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

 

 

Hazards

This is a backcountry site that is flown infrequently. Pilots should only fly here if they are confident in judging conditions appropriate to their skill level

Ideal launch conditions can vary greatly during time of year and time of day. Pilots are urged to watch conditions for a while before committing to launch

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

Restrictions

Do not land within 50' of other recreators

 

Mountain Ridge and Thermal Site.  This site is NOT managed by the Arctic Air Walkers, and this Site Guide is provided to assist pilots in making good decisions about flying at this site.

The ridges leading up to Harp mountain have several nice places to launch from that face both North and South.  Plan your LZ before you hike.  Columbia Glacier Loop Road to the north is a reasonable glide with plenty of bailouts in the winter but in the summer without the frozen river and bogs, it's a lot more committing and not recommended. 

If you launch to the south, there aren't many options near the roads within the Southfork valley.  Consider landing upvalley in one of the many natural meadows.

Launch

Harp Launch

Landing Zones

Columbia Glacier Loop Road

61.301893, -149.460671

This unusual bail-out landing zone is nothing more than a road in a sparsely populated neighborhood.  It is typically used as a bail-out LZ for XC flights.  Pilots launching from the Switchbacks also tend to land here if they can't get enough altitude to head to Baldy.  The locals are friendly but probably just because we don't land here very often.  Be sure to park well off the road and don't block any driveways.  Avoid folding up your glider in the middle of the road. Be sure to walk/drive through the area before landing here - it's a very tight space to land.

Eagle River RC Park

61.271793, -149.366065

This cleared area was once an RC airplane park but it has been shut down for a while and is closed to us landing at.  The paved runway, clubhouse, barriers, etc have been removed and it's now the nicest place to land on an XC flight in the Eagle River valley, however it is closed to us to land.  This is an emergency only landing site. As with any LZ in this valley, the mid-day winds can be strong and when mixed with thermals, the final approach can be rowdy.  

North Fork

61.276657, -149.378691

This is an emergency bailout LZ that can be treacherous to land in.  It looks big from the air but their are large boulders, signs, and cars everywhere.  The ground also slopes into the wind which combined with large trees at each end makes it difficult to not overshoot.  Throw in some ripping thermals and rotors over the trees and it's going to be exciting.

It's strongly recommended that you use this LZ as an option of last resort and consider landing at one of the boggy marshes nearby instead.

There are no launches within a reasonable glide to this LZ so it's an XC bailout LZ.

Weather Considerations

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

Ideal winds are from North or Sourth at 5 to 10 mph.  Winds can be about 15 degrees to either side of that direction, or you can move to a different area to launch that faces more into the wind.

Wind Direction: Almost any from the summit

Recommended: 320º-40º OR 220º-140º

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

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

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.

  • It's super important to plan your LZ prior to launching from this backcountry site.  This usually means staging a car, walking down the LZ, etc.
  • Powerlines run along most of the roads within the Southfork valley if you launch to the south.
  • If you launch to the north and head towards Columbia Glacier Loop Road or one of the nearby meadows, be aware of a large powerline that crosses the valley along your flight path.  


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.