Big M Mound

• Wind directionSW (225°) → WNW (292°)
• Ideal speed8–18 mph
• Upper limits≤ 22 mph base · gusts ≤ 25

Big M / Platte Mound, a ~450 ft ridge/mound near Platteville, WI (largest hillside "M" in the world). Primary face is West (~270 deg). Multiple site descriptions agree it "faces West but because of its shape is usable for several directions from Northwest to South," and the paraglidingEarth octant hint (S, SW, W) confirms the SW-through-W core. Ideal arc set ~225-292 (SW to W) where the slope faces most directly; marginal/edge usable arc extends ~157-315 (SSE around through W to NW) thanks to the mound's broad shape, though N and NW are cross/edge and weaker. SPEED CAVEAT: the only numeric wind figures found (15-30 mph "steady") come from an RC slope-soaring writeup (references aerobatic passes, multiple aircraft, antenna-site summit) and are NOT reliable for foot-launch free flight; the listed free-flight speed/gust ranges are conservative inferences, treat as low confidence. Hazards: strong/punchy thermals off exposed dark plowed ground in front of launch (good lift but can be rough midday); summit hosts tall radio/antenna towers (launch obstruction, stay clear); access is a soft-gravel/rutted farm road up the mound (4WD-friendly, drive carefully); a new concrete bench was added near the LZ, adjust approach. Best in smoother morning/evening soaring conditions when thermals are less violent; primitive camping available on site. No explicit USHPA chapter guide with numeric wind limits was located, so confirm landowner access and current conditions locally before flying.