This is a huge site with big mountains and deep canyons. The terrain is harsh desert with rocky spines. The launch is 4K above the valley; you can climb a thousand feet higher and still be only half-way up the mountain. 30-mile flights are common, but further distances must be out-and-backs. Use other launches for long open-distance XCs.
Maintain good ground clearance. There is little benefit to 'scratching' the Whites, and the potential for dust devils and/or violent thermals is high.
This is a great high altitude launch - once you make it up the gnarly road! The advantage is the LZ always feels like it is within gliding distance. Great for confidence of the students. Wait for a lull to launch!!
ACTIVITIES
- paragliding
- hanggliding
- thermals
- xc
weather
The Owens Valley is quite exposed, so wind direction and strength changes can be rapid and dangerous. A landing in the mountains will likely keep you there overnight, so carry sufficient water and supplies.
Weather conditions in the summer are suitable for HGs and sailplanes only. Overdevelopment, gust fronts, powerful winds and violent conditions are common in the summer. The best PG conditions begin mid-september and become very weak by early november. Spring conditions are variable and unpredictable.
Many met-links: http: //karicastle.com/owens-valley-wx/
access
From Bishop: 20 min to the LZ, then 40 min to the top on a tire-eating 4x4 road.
10/2018: the road is in an extremely bad state (Washed-out in many places)!!
