Big Black

• Wind directionSW (225°) → NW (315°)
• Ideal speed5–10 mph
• Upper limits≤ 12 mph base · gusts ≤ 16

West-facing mountain launch north of Ramona (near Palomar/Penny Pines), per the SDHGPA official site guide. Works in SW-NW (ideal arc ~225-315 deg, core W). Can tolerate more north than nearby Horse, and the orientation hint includes S, so marginal/edge cross conditions extend toward S (~200) and just past NW (~340). Ideal wind 5-10 mph; minimum 4-5 mph. Max usable base wind: 12 mph for PG / 17 mph for HG, with max gust factor 4 mph PG / 6 mph HG (maxSpeed and maxGust fields use the conservative PG values). Best time: early afternoon in winter, evening glass-off in summer; the valley is very buoyant on summer evenings. Site chosen when a convergence line sets up over Santa Ysabel or when Horse blows over the back / in monsoonal conditions, though monsoon brings overdevelopment risk. Hazards: tight launch nested in pines (PGs must inflate/kite between two trees), and strict landing rules - landing in the valley below is forbidden and revokes the permit; pilots must glide to the Cross Roads LZ on the mountain (not visible from launch). XC landing out within a 5-mile radius is forbidden. Rating: minimum H3 / P3 (M1 with very good kiting skills); intermediate or higher per USHPA. Access: SDHGPA membership mandatory, gate keys/site-rep coordination required, high-clearance 2WD or 4WD, 35-40 min drive; no commercial instruction.