Samaniego Ridge

• Wind directionW (270°) → NNW (330°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

No published club/USHPA site-guide numbers found for Samaniego Ridge specifically; it appears to be a high, remote XC launch off the Mt. Lemmon massif rather than a documented soaring site, so direction/speed values are inferred from confirmed geography + general high-altitude desert mountain flying. Geography strongly confirms a W/NW orientation: the ridge drops off the top of Mt. Lemmon and runs roughly N-S, with the west face sliding sharply into the Sonoran desert / Oro Valley and steep cliffs dropping toward Oro Valley on the W/NW. Ideal arc is W through NW (~270-330), with marginal/cross edges into the SW (~240) and NNW (~345). HAZARDS: very high launch (~7940 ft MSL) means thin air, faster true groundspeed, and a longer no-bailout glide over rugged terrain with few landing options - this is an advanced/XC site, not a beginner ridge-soaring spot. Strong Sonoran desert thermals build by midday and can overdevelop; afternoon valley/up-canyon winds and convergence over Oro Valley can switch direction and overpower the gradient. Lee-side rotor is a serious risk in any E/NE/S component or when wind is strong. BEST TIME: smooth mornings to early afternoon for ridge/light-thermal flying; experienced XC pilots may launch into midday thermals but watch for over-development and increasing valley wind. Treat as P4/advanced, likely requiring local guidance from SAHGA/AZHPA pilots and a long high-clearance approach (Catalina Hwy / hiking access). Confirm exact launch, direction tolerances, LZ, and access with local pilots before flying.