SCPA & SBSA Discussion Board

On Sunday, despite the inversion layer, Dave B. and I drove up to alternator expecting a sled ride to the T from alternator. There were nice cycles flowing almost straight up. Dave launched first and I followed. To our surprise there was plenty of lift between launch and West Bowl. We both questioned why this local site is not being flown more this time of year.

I've been wondering the same thing. I'd love to fly the mountains, but since the schools aren't going up anymore, I figured the conditions must not be right. I checked it out Sat at Alternator,out of curiosity, and the cycles were strong from s to se, winds aloft were light, and the birds were skying. Same thing at Eliminator. The marine layer was about 1000 ft, and there was a definite temp inversion, warmer on the top than bottom, but it seemed to still be working..I've been told that in the summer the marine layer kills the lift, but I've talked recently with different people who had great flights when the layer was at 4000 ft, and at 1300 ft....Can any of the experieced locals out there explain ?