AB Mountain

• Wind directionSE (135°) → SW (225°)
• Ideal speed6–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

AB Mountain (Skagway, AK; aka Skyline Trail mountain) is a S/SW-facing alpine ridge launch above Taiya Inlet. paraglidingEarth lists it working with winds from S, SE, W, and E (each rated 2/5 capability), consistent with the E/SE/S/SW/W orientation hint. IDEAL is a SE-through-SW arc (~135-225, centered on the S/SW launch facing), the cleanest on-shore/up-slope flow. MARGINAL extends to E (90) and W (270) where flow becomes cross to the ridge. Access is a strenuous 2-3 hr hike (~3,800 ft launch elevation per coords; PGE lists a lower 1,158 ft takeoff figure that appears unreliable). Landing at Dyea Flats or in the Skagway valley along the river. HAZARDS: marine-influenced fjord/valley winds funneling up Taiya Inlet can be strong and gusty; N winds create lee/rotor off the back and push pilots toward the Dyea LZ; afternoon over-development and valley convergence possible. Operate under Skagway Airport VFR rules. Best in light-to-moderate up-valley flow; thermal/soaring/XC potential. No explicit USHPA/club speed numbers found, so speed ranges are inferred for a high-alpine maritime site; treat as conservative defaults.