Blue Rock (Vallejo)

• Wind directionWSW (245°) → NW (308°)
• Ideal speed7–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

West-facing ridge soaring site near Vallejo, CA. Multiple local guides explicitly state the launch is flyable from 245-308 deg (WSW-WNW), best straight W. Ideal wind 7-12 mph (9-12 best for beginners); general usable band cited as 8-15 mph with gusts ideally less than +4 over base. Winds stronger than ~18 mph in any direction make the landing areas turbulent, so treat ~15-18 mph as the upper limit. Outside W/WNW (when not W or WNW) the site should not be flown. Marginal/cross edges (SW ~225 to NW ~315) get cross and rotor-prone. Hazards: P3 (USHPA) strongly encouraged (P1/P2 only with instructor); nasty rock formation at top of slope (kite/launch lower on the slope, not at the very top); mechanical/embedded thermal turbulence ("more whacks than Channing"); orange-marked trees produce rotor; St. Johns Mine Road valley forms a large venturi that can trap a pilot; LZs hide large rocks, cardoons (spikes), and barbed wire - walking both main LZs before flying is mandatory. Best time of day: smooth in spring, and fall through sunset (plenty of lift); avoid mid-day in warm summer (noon-4 is rowdy/thermic), evenings usually OK. Reliable flying season March through October. Launch elevation ~689 ft MSL. Multiple launch points (Top for light days, Mid, North side-slope).