Edith's Gap

• Wind directionESE (110°) → SSE (160°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

SE-facing launch on the steep southeastern slope of Massanutten Ridge near Luray/Edinburg, VA (CHGPA chapter site on George Washington NF land). Primary direction is SE; site guides cite optimal ridge-lift band roughly 090-150 deg (ESE-SSE), so ideal centers on SE (~110-160). Marginal/cross out to E (~090) and S (~200) where the ridge becomes cross. Wind FROM the W/NW/N (back side) produces strong rotor/leeside turbulence and is unflyable. Ridge + thermal site; soaring can begin as early as ~10:30 AM in summer and build through midday, with afternoon thermals adding strength/turbulence. Pilots typically ridge-soar along the spine to the north or push XC over the back toward West Virginia. Speed numbers are inferred (no explicit club-published gust ceiling found): treat ~8-15 mph as ideal, ~18 mph as base ceiling, and avoid gusts much above ~22 mph given the mountain-ridge rotor potential. Access/rating: intermediate site -- CHGPA lists a P2-with-RLF-signoff minimum for paragliders (effectively P3/H3-level mountain experience recommended); chapter membership/site briefing expected. Confidence medium: direction well corroborated by CHGPA notes and multiple site guides, but speed/gust limits are inferred rather than club-published.