Many Feathers Paragliding Launch

• Wind directionSW (225°) → NW (315°)
• Ideal speed6–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

High-elevation (6539 ft MSL) thermic mountain launch in the Whitefish/Flathead Valley area of NW Montana, operated/used by Many Feathers Paragliding School. No club, USHPA, or paraglidingEarth guide with explicit wind numbers was found publicly (the Many Feathers Montana weather/site pages are still under construction), so figures are inferred from the paraglidingEarth orientation hint (N, S, SW, W, NW) plus general Montana mountain-flying knowledge. The contiguous west-side cluster (SW-W-NW) is the primary working arc, so IDEAL is taken as ~225-315 deg (wind FROM W quadrant); MARGINAL widens toward S (~200) and N (~350) where the isolated N and S octants likely represent alternate/secondary faces or light-wind morning soaring. Speeds: estimated ideal 6-15 mph, max usable base ~18 mph, max gust ~22 mph - keep conservative given high density altitude (a 6539 ft launch means true airspeed exceeds indicated, raising effective wind/penetration concerns). Hazards: strong afternoon thermals and lee-side rotor on the back (E) side; cross/over-the-back conditions develop quickly in mountain terrain. Best time: smooth morning conditions or evening glass-off; midday is thermic and better suited to XC-capable pilots. Rating/access: P3+ recommended for a thermic mountain launch with steep terrain; confirm current access, hike-in approach, and exact launch face with Many Feathers Paragliding School before flying. Treat all numbers as estimates pending a site-specific guide.