Mt Herman
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Location
What we look for at Mt Herman
Wind direction
NE (40°) → ENE (75°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
3–8 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.
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.
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