Spokane Hills

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → W (270°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

No dedicated club/USHPA site guide with explicit wind numbers was found for a "Spokane Hills" free-flight launch. Location confirmed: foothills of the Big Belt Mountains east of Helena, MT (Lewis & Clark County), between the Helena Valley and Canyon Ferry Reservoir, ~5092 ft MSL. Wind window is INFERRED from the paraglidingEarth orientation hint (working octants S, SW, W). Ideal arc set to the SW-W core (~200-270 deg, wind FROM) where launch faces into the slope; marginal/cross edges extend to S (~180) and WNW (~300). Speeds are general high-desert/foothill thermal-soaring estimates, not site-measured: ideal ~8-15 mph, base limit ~18 mph, gust cap ~22 mph. HAZARDS (general, unverified for this site): high elevation means true airspeed exceeds indicated — expect faster ground speeds and longer landing rolls; afternoon thermal/valley-wind convergence over the Helena Valley can produce strong cycles and turbulence; possible lee-side rotor from the Big Belt Mountains if synoptic flow turns easterly/northerly; Canyon Ferry Reservoir to the east can add a lake breeze. BEST TIME: morning for smooth soaring, or late afternoon as thermals soften; midday summer can be strong/over-developed. ACCESS/RATING: unknown — confirm rating requirement, landowner/access permission, and current conditions with the nearest active club (Missoula Hang Gliding & Paragliding / glidemissoula.org, or Bozeman/Fly Bozeman) before flying.