Curtis Canyon

• Wind directionW (270°) → NW (320°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Curtis Canyon, east of Jackson near the National Elk Refuge, WY. Upper Bench launch (~7350 ft) faces WNW and is the preferred launch for soaring/XC; lower launch also available. Ideal wind FROM 270-320 deg (W to WNW), matching the W/NW orientation hint. Soaring works best 12-18 mph; a forgiving ~8-15 mph is the sweet spot, ideal around 10 mph; treat 18 mph as the max usable base. Marginal/cross when winds swing toward SW (~250) or N of WNW (~340). HAZARDS/NOTES: National Elk Refuge borders the lower LZ to the west and landing in the refuge is PROHIBITED. Thermic bubbles are common on hot midsummer days; the gentle lower LZ can be over-flown, so plan a low final approach. Around sunset the flow turns katabatic (downhill) - watch the wind reversal. SEASONAL CLOSURE Dec 1 - Apr 30 for critical wildlife habitat. P2/H2 minimum; experienced mountain pilots, own gear required. Best flown later afternoon into the smooth evening glass-off for the classic west-wind Teton sunset soaring.