The Whaleback
CAParagliding and hang gliding weather and wind forecast for The Whaleback, California.
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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.
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Sign in to contributeAbout The Whaleback
The Whaleback is a paragliding and hang gliding site in California. The launch faces west at 7,395 feet and works best in W to WNW wind of about 3 to 14 mph. There are 2 more Wonderwind sites within 50 miles, and the closest is Herd Peak, 7 miles away. Read the site guide on rvhpa.org for rules and access before you fly.
Conditions 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.