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Current conditions
Where it is
What we look for at McGee (Owens Valley)
Wind direction
NNE (20°) → E (90°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
3–12 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 (9140 ft MSL) advanced/expert-only "Big Air" Owens Valley launch on the Sierra east escarpment. Faces the valley with a N/NE/E aspect; works best in light upslope/easterly flow or near-calm. Per club/forum reports McGee tolerates strong N and S winds better than other Owens Valley launches, but the dominant hazard is W wind "over the back" producing severe lee-side rotor ("don't get bit by the Wolf") - prevailing west flow spills over the Sierra crest and any westerly component is a hard no-go. Technical site: requires a crosswind flat-slope launch at high altitude and has a long glide out, so light/manageable wind is essential. Best flown morning (anabatic/early thermal) before the valley breeze and west flow strengthen midday; summer gives the strongest lift (climbs toward 18,000 ft, cold/hypoxia risk - O2 advised). Access is a rugged, narrow, rocky 4x4 road; not for beginners. Strong rotor forms behind spines and in canyons throughout the valley.
Window data compiled from bhgc.org — public site guides and club resources.
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