The Whaleback

• Wind directionW (260°) → WNW (300°)
• Ideal speed3–14 mph
• Upper limits≤ 20 mph base · gusts ≤ 38

RVHPA (Rogue Valley HG&PG Association) club site guide gives explicit launch numbers. The launch was expanded to a 90-degree window; ideal wind is NW-to-SW, roughly 260-300 deg (wind FROM). Marginal/edge holds out toward SW (~225) and NW/N (~330) consistent with the N,SW,W,NW working octants. East winds are OVER THE BACK and must not be flown; south-wind days are not recommended. Speeds: paragliders 3-14 mph (ideal ~7 mph), hang gliders 10-20 mph (ideal ~10). maxSpeed ~20 mph is the upper usable bound; maxGust is inferred (no explicit gust limit published) - treat ~18 mph gusts as a practical ceiling given thermic, high-altitude conditions. HAZARDS: high-altitude launch at 7395-7437 ft MSL with density altitude often exceeding 10,000 ft equivalent - launch/glide performance degraded. Summer overdevelopment, cloud suck, dust devils, strong desert conditions, thermic LZ. Wind gradient and turbulence as wind rolls off the tall treeline immediately SW of the LZ; winds often strengthen near the LZ (5:1 glide to NW LZ between launch and Hwy 97). BEST TIME: evening glass-off - late-afternoon thermals fade and winds slow by mid-evening for smooth flying suitable for all levels; midday is strong/thermic. ACCESS/RATING: Klamath National Forest (Butte Valley NG); USHPA P3/H3 minimum (P2/H2 only with mentor in mellow conditions); flat-slope/cliff-launch, high-altitude, and turbulence special-skill sign-offs recommended. No fee but limited parking; flying season summer-early fall when the access road is snow-free.