Rainbow Valley - East Patterson

• Wind directionWSW (240°) → WNW (300°)
• Ideal speed7–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

No site-specific club/USHPA guide with explicit numeric wind data was found for the "East Patterson" launch in Rainbow Valley; arc is inferred from the paraglidingEarth SW/W/NW orientation hint (west-facing launch, centered ~270 deg). Rainbow Valley (Maricopa County, SW of Phoenix) is a desert flatland/butte area used by AZHPA-area pilots, predominantly for tow launching, with some low desert ridge/butte soaring. As a west-facing slope it works best in SW-to-NW flow; ideal arc ~240-300 deg, marginal/cross edges out to ~210 and ~330 deg. Hazards: lee-side rotor and mechanical turbulence behind the butte in off-direction or strong wind; desert thermals can overdevelop and produce dust devils and strong gust spreads midday. Best window is morning or late afternoon when valley wind and thermal strength are moderate; avoid the high-sun midday period when thermals/gusts peak. Light volume desert site at low elevation (~984 ft MSL) so density-altitude and high summer temps reduce usable conditions. Speeds (ideal ~7-15 mph, base max ~18, gust cap ~22) are general-knowledge estimates for low desert PG soaring, not from a published site guide; verify with AZHPA / local Rainbow Valley pilots before flying.