St.George -the 'Usual' (the 'U')

• Wind directionSW (220°) → W (270°)
• Ideal speed7–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

SW-to-W facing soaring ridge near St. George, UT (elev ~3399 ft MSL). Works best on a southwest-through-west wind (FROM ~SW/W octants per paraglidingEarth, corroborated by Windfinder showing the site flying primarily on west winds in the afternoon, ~12-14 kt gusting to ~14, and SW winds toward evening). Ideal core arc ~WSW–W (220-270 deg); marginal/cross edges down to ~S (190) on the south side and out toward WNW/NW (~300) on the north side, where flow becomes cross or rotor-prone. Best window is typically late morning through afternoon when valley/anabatic and west afternoon flow set in; early morning tends to be light and easterly (drainage) and not soarable. Hazards: desert thermal turbulence and gust cycles common in summer afternoons, so watch for overdevelopment of speed/gusts after midday; light-and-variable or easterly mornings = not flyable on this aspect; lee/rotor risk if wind backs north of W or south of SW. Speeds are inferred from observed forecast values plus general SW-Utah desert paragliding norms (no club/USHPA numeric guide located): aim ~7-15 mph base, treat ~18 mph sustained / ~20 mph gust as the upper usable limit for foot-launch PG. Rating/access not confirmed from authoritative club source; verify USHPA rating, landowner access, and current site rules with local pilots before flying.