Swan Falls

• Wind directionW (270°) → NW (320°)
• Ideal speed7–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

Swan Falls "west launch" on the Snake River canyon rim, ~1 hr S of Boise in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA. Idaho Paragliding club guide states the west launch "can be flown on any west to northwest wind" and has a windsock on site, which matches the paraglidingEarth NW orientation and the given coords (43.236, -116.368). Ideal is a WNW-NW cross-the-rim breeze (~270-320 deg); W and N become marginal/cross. NOTE: a SEPARATE south launch ~1 mile before the canyon turnoff handles SE/S winds — do not confuse the two; that southerly arc is NOT for this NW launch. Hazards typical of a high-desert canyon-rim cliff launch: lee-side rotor and turbulence if wind is too strong or off the favored arc, strong midday thermals/dust devils in the Snake River plain (better flown morning or as evening glass-off when wind abates), and committing terrain over the river — windy conditions can force a thermic/rotor-prone landing. No live weather station at the site (pilots use Windfinder + the on-site windsock). Speed/gust values are inferred from site type and general PG cliff-soaring practice — the club guide gives direction explicitly but does not publish numeric speed/gust limits, hence medium confidence. Access via BLM/Idaho Power Swan Falls road; left just before the power substation, around it and down the fence line to the parking/launch. Treat as P2+ / P3 with site intro from a local; verify current rules and access with Idaho Paragliding before flying.