The Whaleback
CAChecking for active TFRs… Verify on the FAA ↗
Location
What we look for at The Whaleback
Wind direction
W (260°) → WNW (300°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
3–14 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
High-altitude foot-launch (~7,400 ft) on the Klamath NF just north of Mt. Shasta, run by RVHPA. Flies on NW-through-SW winds; east is over the back and south days are better spent at Herd Peak across Hwy 97. Evening glass-off is the sweet spot, as midday goes strong and thermic with real density-altitude, overdevelopment, cloud-suck, and dust-devil hazards. P3/H3 minimum (P2/H2 only with a mentor); 5:1 glide to the NW LZ where winds strengthen near the ground.
Window data compiled from rvhpa.org, rvhpa.org, fs.usda.gov, public site guides and club resources.
Next 7 days How calls are made
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Send feedback about this flying site
Sign in to contributeConditions are an automated estimate from public forecast models, not a go/no-go call. Always check the sky, talk to locals, and fly within your rating. You are responsible for your own safety.