Melba Ridge

• Wind directionESE (110°) → SSE (160°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

Melba Ridge is a lightly-documented SW Idaho desert ridge-soaring site (~2615 ft MSL) in the Snake River canyon / Birds of Prey area south of Melba and Boise, near the Swan Falls / Dedication Point zone. No club/USHPA site guide with explicit wind numbers was found, so the arc is inferred from the SE orientation hint plus general desert ridge-soaring knowledge. Ideal arc centered on SE (~135 deg), wind FROM ~110-160 deg, with marginal/cross conditions out to E (90) and S (180). Suggested as a soarable ridge in moderate SE flow; speeds are typical desert ridge-soaring estimates (~8-15 mph ideal, base usable to ~18, gusts to ~22). HAZARDS: desert thermals can make conditions punchy/strong mid-day; the Snake River canyon cliffs concentrate and accelerate wind (venturi/wind-tunnel effect noted in the Birds of Prey area), and overdevelopment of mechanical turbulence/rotor is likely if wind backs off the ideal arc or strengthens. Best flown in lighter, smoother flow (morning or evening glass-off) to avoid mid-day thermic strength; watch for rapid wind increases. Rating/access unknown - verify launch location, land ownership/BLM and any wildlife-refuge restrictions, and current conditions with the local Idaho Paragliding community (idahoparagliding.org) before flying. Numbers are estimates, not an authoritative guide.