Nuthouse

• Wind directionSE (135°) → S (190°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 16 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

SCPA "Nuthouse" launch in Ojai off Hwy 33, west side of Nordhoff Ridge, ~1900 ft launch. SW-facing exposure; PG Earth octants SE,S. Works on SE/S prefrontal and Santa Ana days; ideal arc ~SE through S (135-190). Marginal extends toward E (~100, common east/river-funnel flow around launch even on SW days) and toward SW (~225). Speeds: site guide likes a 6K winds-aloft forecast of ~5-10 (kt) for the XC west to Santa Barbara; light-to-moderate cycles ideal (~5-12 mph), upper usable ~16, gust limit ~20 are inferred (no explicit on-launch speed/gust numbers published). HAZARDS: strong Venturi/compression over Nordhoff Ridge in summer as the Ventura River Gap draws up Hwy 33; pilots have been blown Over The Back (OTB) — velocity is much higher over the ridge than at launch, so leave room. Lee-side rotor on NE Santa Ana (ridge blocks NE well, but SE flow is NOT blocked as well = possible turbulence around Spine One). Power line crossing the road near the south side. Trailhead first 20-50 yds is private property; steep ~1000 ft hike to launch. NO designated LZ. RATING/ACCESS: no official site rating, but SCPA describes it as intermediate-to-advanced (≈P3-P4) depending on conditions. BEST TIME: launch typically late morning (~11-12 PDT); "ok-ish" in the morning, more thermic/punchy by afternoon. Often flown fall/winter/spring on Santa Ana / prefrontal days as a low gateway to bench up to Spine One and Chiefs.