Abernathy Creek

• Wind directionN (350°) → ENE (70°)
• Ideal speed5–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

Remote backcountry thermal/ridge-soaring site near Hope, Alaska (Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain Arm area), managed loosely within Arctic Air Walkers' region. ParaglidingEarth lists at least two launches: a "Bench" at ~3464 ft MSL and a "Summit" launch at ~4100 ft MSL above the bench, with other launch options depending on wind. PROVEN WIND ARC: pilot comments state it "has been flown in North through ENE winds" — so the ideal arc is roughly N (350) through NE to ENE (~70 deg, FROM), aligning with the N/NE-facing launches. ParaglidingEarth orientation weights: N=2, NE=2, SE=2, E=1, SW=1 (S/W/NW=0); the SE and SW lobes are plausible (different launch aspects/upper bowls) but NOT confirmed flown, so treat E through SE as marginal/cross. Lift sources: ridge lift and thermals in the valley. HAZARDS/ACCESS: "Largely unexplored flying site due to remoteness" — remote, no road access; you must fly in (Super Cub) or hike/walk in from Hope. Expect typical Alaska mountain hazards: rapid weather changes, valley wind reinforcement/convergence off Turnagain Arm, potential lee rotor on S/W (off-orientation) days, and a committing/remote LZ situation. No club or USHPA guide with explicit speed numbers was found; speed ranges are inferred from general thermal/ridge mountain-site norms (light-to-moderate winds; keep base under ~18 mph and avoid gust spreads as conditions can overdevelop in Alaska summer thermals). Best flown on stable-to-moderately-unstable summer days with the synoptic flow in the N-NE quadrant; mid-day to afternoon for thermals. Likely P3+/experienced backcountry skill level given remoteness.