Black Eagle (Bishop, Owens Valley)

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → WSW (250°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

Black Eagle is a launch in the Inyo Mountains on the EAST side of the Owens Valley (BHGC site guide). Works in S/SW/W flow (paraglidingEarth octants); ideal arc centered on SW. Rating: UNREGULATED but H4 / experienced H3 recommended - this is an advanced "big air" XC site, not for low airtime pilots. Best window is MORNING: launch and climb before the valley wind machine and Sierra-spillover west wind build in the afternoon. Owens Valley is world-famous for violent afternoon turbulence ("bone-jarring big air"), strong thermals and record XC distance, but conditions can become dangerous fast once cycles overdevelop. HAZARDS: strong crosswinds reported at launch (a pilot account described a glider rolling ~30 deg on launch, forcing a move to the more SW-facing slope); leeside/rotor risk if prevailing W wind tops the Sierra and the Inyos; rapid overdevelopment. Bailout LZ noted at ~4100 ft MSL to the west (36.817, -118.094). Speed numbers are inferred (low confidence) - no club guide publishes explicit wind limits for this launch; verify with locals/BHGC before flying.