Agave Hill

• Wind directionWSW (250°) → W (280°)
• Ideal speed8–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Agave Hill, Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso, TX (RGSA chapter site). West-facing shallow/flat slope launch over 50 yds long; easy and forgiving but run hard in light air. IDEAL wind FROM the WSW-W, roughly 250-280 deg (RGSA cites 260-280; Southwest Airsports cites 240-260 as the prevailing/ideal); best around 270 at ~10 mph. MARGINAL: launchable ~220-300 (220-320 per one source). South of ~240 ridge lift drops and launch gets turbulent; north of ~290-300 turbulence increases from the small range out front, and any north component makes the wing thrash/weathervane. IDEAL speed 8-12 mph (min ~5 mph). MAX usable: do NOT fly if winds exceed ~15 mph below ~6,400-10,000 ft MSL or over 20 mph at 9,000 ft (PG) - risk of being blown over the back. Keep gusts low (~5 mph spread); gusty/thermic air is unsafe here. HAZARDS: minor rotor off the right edge of launch when wind is 270-280; strong thermals/turbulence April-Oct ~10:30am-5:30pm (avoid midday summer); Dragon's Mouth / Transmountain gap venturi (need ~6,800 MSL to cross); jet-stream shear; katabatic/near-zero surface flow starting ~30 min before sunset. BEST TIME: early morning or late afternoon/evening for smooth laminar air. ACCESS/RATING: USHPA P3 minimum (P2 only if accompanied by an RGSA guide/instructor); current USHPA membership required. Hang gliding no longer practical here - PG site.