The Duck

• Wind directionWSW (250°) → WNW (290°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

RMHPA (local USHPA-affiliated club) site guide gives explicit numbers. Ideal wind is due W (270), optimal speed ~8 mph, usable range 5-15 mph with a ~5 mph gust factor; reference 'W on Copper/Peak 6 ~15 gusting 22 is ideal' sets practical max gust near 22. Acceptable direction arc 230-300 (WSW-WNW), centered on W and matching the N/W/NW orientation; ideal core ~250-290. AVOID SW (headwind prevents glide to the LZ; landing needs a ~10:1 glide). Launch is snaggy and crosswind - it's common to launch up to 45 deg off to the right (toward N), so kiting skill required. Rotor behind Sapphire Point plus lingering thermals; afternoon lake wind is fairly laminar. Best as evening lakeside soaring (sunset over Lake Dillon/Gore/Ten Mile ranges); needs sun all day or thermals shut down. Terrain damaged by fire, beetle kill, and dead-tree logging - faint trail, walk launch first. Backcountry/undeveloped RMHPA site; P3 minimum rating.