Mammoth
CAParagliding and hang gliding weather and wind forecast for Mammoth, California.
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Location
What we look for at Mammoth
Wind direction
E (90°) → SE (135°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
3–12 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
East/Southeast-facing launch high on Mammoth Mountain (~10,935 ft MSL) — works on a light E-to-SE upslope/anabatic cycle; ESE (~110 deg) is the sweet spot. Very technical, high-altitude, thin-air site: glider wing loading and launch/landing speeds are higher than at low sites, so commit early and run hard. Conservative wind limits — this is a light-wind thermal/sledder site, NOT a strong-wind soaring site. Strong west/SW prevailing flow over the Sierra crest produces dangerous lee-side rotor and is a hard no; bail if you feel any down/over-the-back component. Mid-morning is best (smooth thermals); midday brings strong/over-developing thermals, dust devils, and rapid valley wind reversal, so plan to be down before the worst of the day (nearby McGee XC launches typically ~10:45am–12:40pm). ACCESS HEAVILY RESTRICTED: only east-side High Sierra site requiring a USHPA license; lies on Mammoth Mountain Resort leased property — you MUST phone the Resort Health & Safety Manager before flying each day, and access can be denied. Rating: USHPA P3/H3+ recommended given altitude and technical nature.
Window data compiled from sierraparagliding.com, public site guides and club resources.
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Mammoth is a paragliding and hang gliding site in California. The launch faces southeast at 10,935 feet and works best in E to SE wind of about 3 to 12 mph. There are 9 more Wonderwind sites within 50 miles, and the closest is McGee (Owens Valley), 12 miles away. Read the site guide on sierraparagliding.com for rules and access before you fly.
Conditions are an automated estimate from public forecast models, not a go/no-go call. Always check the sky, talk to locals, and fly within your rating. You are responsible for your own safety.