Lake Mountain (Saratoga Springs)

• Wind directionNE (45°) → ESE (110°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

East-facing upper launch at ~7602 ft MSL (CUASA Handbook); LZ ~4900 ft via rough, rocky 4WD road. East side is rated P-3 (west side P-2, gentler training hills). This is primarily a MORNING THERMAL site - best flown in the morning before midday valley/thermal cycles and afternoon overdevelopment make it rowdy. The east side is described as 'very soarable in a North wind, down the valley,' so a N-to-NE component funneling down the valley combines with the easterly aspect; treat that NE-through-E band as the working arc. Hazards: it's a high-desert thermal mountain site, so expect strong midday thermals, possible leeside/rotor if wind backs to W/SW behind the ridge, and turbulence on the rough terrain. No explicit max-speed numbers published by the club; speed ranges here are inferred for a thermic mountain launch - keep base wind modest and avoid strong gusty cycles. Grassy LZs on both sides. P-3 recommended for the east launch.