Salida Mine

• Wind directionS (180°) → SW (225°)
• Ideal speed4–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

No published site guide found for "Salida Mine" specifically; wind window inferred from the paraglidingEarth orientation hint (S, SW octants) plus general high-altitude Colorado free-flight knowledge. Coordinates (38.5896, -106.017, 8130 ft MSL) place the launch on the lower west/southwest flank below Methodist Mountain, ~5 mi SSW of Salida in the upper Arkansas Valley. IDEAL arc ~180-225 deg (S through SW), facing the slope; MARGINAL/cross edges out to ~157-248 deg (SSE to WSW). This is a high-elevation interior-mountain THERMAL site, not a coastal soaring ridge: strong wind plus strong midday thermals is the main hazard, so keep base wind light-to-moderate (~4-12 mph ideal, ~15 mph max usable, gusts under ~18). Expect a strong valley-wind / thermal cycle. Best smooth conditions are typically morning or late afternoon; midday can be overdeveloped and rough with dust devils and abrupt cycles at 8000+ ft density altitude. Likely an intermediate+ / XC-oriented site given thin air, high terrain, and big landscape; treat access, current rating requirements, and exact launch as needing local confirmation. VERIFY with local pilots, Pendulum Aerosports (Salida), and RMHPA (rmhpa.org) before flying — no authoritative numeric wind limits were located.