Bodenburg Butte

• Wind directionESE (120°) → WSW (240°)
• Ideal speed8–10 mph
• Upper limits≤ 12 mph base · gusts ≤ 15

Arctic Air Walkers (local USHPA chapter) South Launch parameters: ideal 8-10 mph, wind FROM 120-240 deg, min 0 mph, glide ratio to LZ 2.7. Max usable base wind ~12 mph; the guide notes very low gust tolerance (gust spread under ~3 mph), so it blows out fast. Do NOT launch with N/E/W winds. The Butte also has E (and SE/SW) launch aspects; primary/recommended is the SW lower launch ~400 ft above the hay field. Major hazard: this is a mixing zone for valley winds where cold air pouring out of the Knik and Matanuska (Matsu) valleys collides with warm air moving north off the Arm, so conditions can turn bumpy, turbulent, and blown out quickly. Watch for thermal-driven gust cycles and rotor in cross/leeside flow. Good ridge-soaring and beginner/training site (kiting in the hay field, first flights off lower launch); also a good mini/speed-wing site due to high vertical relief with little glide requirement. LZ: large hay field south of the butte. Access via dirt road past the reindeer farm; park near the barn/farm equipment. Best flown on light, stable thermal afternoons before valley outflow builds.