Soaring Forecast

[SamKellner]

Hello all,

In an attempt to minimize wasted time "hang waiting", I have been trying to interpret to weather factors relevant to soaring conditions.

The nearest published soaring forecast I could find on the web was ~300mi away, so it won't do much good.

Forecast temp and dew point are part of it, seems like, but I still don't have all the pieces to the puzzle and how it goes together.

If someone here on US Hawks has soaring forecast experience, it would be a huge help if we could go over what it takes to at least get the odds in our favor, not only for myself,
but also for pilots wishing to visit this area in an attempt for pers. best XC.

Thanks in advance,
Sam
SW Texas Hang Gliders
US Hawks Chapter #4

[Bob Kuczewski]

Hi Sam,

I've had some luck with the National Weather Service which provides forecasts in the Torrey area. But since that's a ridge site, the wind direction and speed are pretty much all I've looked at.

If you don't hear from anyone in a while, please post again, and I'll try to look into it.

Regardless of the source, I think having a forecast available is a great idea!!

Go Southwest Texas Hang Gliders!!!

[SamKellner]

Hi Bob,

One of the Colorado PG pilots called me Monday, saying he was in San Antonio this week and preferred to fly out here while in the area. Not sure if he ever found some place to fly or not.
Inadequate was my feeling. Well, I couldn't even suggest what day of the week might be best, let alone what the soaring forecast might be. This time, no Cummies all week so I doubt we missed a world record day.

I'd really like to do more for pilots in this situation.

Sam

[Bob Kuczewski]

Hi Sam,

Rome wasn't built in a day. It will take some time to gather more and more resources together for your club and your area. Just keep working at it, and you might end up with a "Wallaby Ranch" in Leakey Texas someday.

By the way, Wallaby (Florida) was really fantastic. It's an inspiration to see what's been done there, and I doubt that it happened over night.

One step at a time Sam. One step at a time.

Bob K.

P.S. You might also post your questions on forecasting sites to hanggliding.org and ozreport.com. At this point in time, they both have a lot more members who might be able to help you more quickly.

[SamKellner]

There's Tad again.

De-railing topics. Ever anything constructive or supportive?

[Bob Kuczewski]

Hi Tad,

I think you have a lot to offer the sport, but I fear that you sabotage yourself with your approach.

Sam is working to build up hang gliding in a small area of the country. Rather than attacking him, I think you could make suggestions on how you think their club could carry out safe and efficient operations at their sites. I've worked hard to reach out to you and to bring you to this forum. I did that because I want to see your talents utilized and not ignored. Please help me by being constructive. That would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob Kuczewski

[SamKellner]

Yeah, thanks. So much for that topic.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Hi Sam and Tad,

I moderate the US Hawks forum, but I consider each of the club forums to be moderated by those club officers. For the record, I give Sam the right to remove any posts on his club's forum (they'll probably end up in the "Free Speech Zone"). He also has the right to ban anyone from his club's forum who he feels is undermining the purposes of his club.

But the great thing about the US Hawks forum is that there are multiple sub-forums. So a ban from one club's forum does not mean a total ban from the site. Also, I generally intend the "Free Speech Zones" to remain open for people who are unable to post in the other forums. This hierarchical posting system gives clubs some control of their own content while still allowing free speech "out in the streets".

For the record, I haven't gotten a complaint from anyone about anyone, and I hope that never happens. I'm just stating this so everyone understands how I hope to operate this site. The best way to ensure good communication and free speech is to argue respectfully from both perspectives.

Thanks,
Bob Kuczewski

[ZackC]

Sam,

I get my soaring forecasts from Dr. Jack:
http://www.drjack.info/
You have to register to get the forecasts but it's free. You can find descriptions of the parameters on the forecast pages or here. Once you understand what they mean, you may want to check out the UniViewer, which is what I use...it superimposes the BLIPMAPS on a Google map, and clicking the map will give you the numbers for the clicked location.

Another popular soaring forecast site is XC Skies, but you have to pay for it.

Zack

[SamKellner]

Zack,

I looked at this info, put it on my fav list, and realize it could be useful if interpreted correctly.

Looking at the Okla/Tx section, my interpretation was 700'min lift to 8000' cloud base.

However outside it was very dark, OD and raining.

What data is most important?

Thanks for the help,
Sam