Mt Herman

RMHPA (USHPA chapter) site guide gives explicit numbers. Two launches: NORTH launch ideal 40-75 deg, acceptable 20-90 deg (do NOT launch N when wind is S); SOUTH launch acceptable 120-160 deg, ideal 130-150 deg but NOT recommended until very experienced with the site. Marginal arc above spans both launches' acceptable ranges (20-160), but 90-120 is a dead/cross gap between the two faces. Ideal speed ~5 mph; acceptable 0-10 mph; max gust factor 5 mph - launch in low wind, NOT in a thermal. P2 minimum rating; special skills: high altitude (launch ~9,053 ft, LZ ~7,340 ft, ~1,200 ft descent) and turbulence. Very active thermic site - significant turbulence midday in spring/summer; high risk of getting plucked on this steep high-mountain launch. Hazards: rotor off rocks, steep E-side edge at N launch, lateral hazards and a cliff at end of S launch. LZ is a primary thermal generator (tracks up the front - good for low saves but tricky to land into). Best time: midday for P3+; mornings/evenings on light days for P2s. Airspace: under the COS airliner highway over Black Forest, plus Air Force Academy glider tows and skydiving - call AFA before flying. Glide ratio ~2.9 to LZ.

Window data compiled from rmhpa.org — public site guides and club resources.