Soaring on 7-5-19

[Peter Kelly]

This post is not a thermal alert about an exceptional day... just another average day at WSC.
But, Kempton's accomplishment yesterday is motivational - to be sure.

This forecast was based upon the availability of a glider. Earlier this past week I noted the ASG32 would once again be available for rent at WSC, with the first available day being Friday, July5th.
I'm on the schedule, with Thomas D as my FO, and we plan to fly, so I might as well look at the weather fcst.

The norcal RASP - https://rasp.nfshost.com/norcal-coast/ says it will be a typical good day for this time of year.

I only needed to look at five charts to see it should be an easy ride from Goat to Hull Mtn to Yolla, T-15, hay peak and return. Granted, these charts are 130 hour forecasts into the future, but how bad can it get in only five and a half days from now? We can always cut it a bit short, if things don't pan out. Those last two charts are just for fun, and not really important for planning purposes....




I can't imagine it taking more than seven thermals to get to Hay Peak, and probably only three or four to get back to WSC....



end

[Peter Kelly]

Tuesday night update for Friday's flight to Hay Peak

The 700 mb still shows spring like conditions


and Skysight confirms we will have plenty of cu to assure the ride home after our first two or three hours of flying.


Heck, it's Tuesday night so I can already see the Williams RASP for Friday.

Probably a no-brainer for some of you younger studs who want a quick trip up to Mt Shasta and return on Friday.
Get home for an early dinner.
Thermals to 9k at 11 AM over Goat
Thermals to 15k at Shasta at 3 PM, cu bases,even at 1600 hours are look'n good

Amazing stuff...


end

[Peter Kelly]

Thursday night update:

Tomorrow looks gooood.
Rex has installed oxygen in the ASG32, so now, Thomas and I can fly above 12,500 more comfortably, AND he has said I am allowed to fly to the Sierra Nevada's, if I so desire.

So... the fcst looks good.

I've made the crossing from Yola Peak to Lassen in the DG800, the ASW24 and the ASH26E. (and I have always made it back to WSC, without power).

It's time for the crossing in the ASG32 - conditions permitting.

I am concerned we may not have enough height for the final glide back to WSC at 4 PM, so rather than go south from Mt Lassen, we'll go north or west.. depending on conditions.

Flight plan A ... about 403 miles...


and flight plan B... about 324 miles...




I doubt we'll do the Shasta Turn, since 403 miles Takes a long time
and even the shorter one is a challenge. We can always come up with plan c and,or d.

We'd have to bring a big lunch, lots of water and start pretty early to do even the "short" course.

We'll see how it goes. I plan to be at WSC at about 9 AM - ish

[Peter Kelly]

Post flight report.
A disappointing day.
It started out looking poor and then it got worse.
Actual conditions bore very little resemblance to the RASP or BLIP map Fcst.
but, it was a nice tow - Thank you Kerry

Flight posted to OLC.
Route: St John TP, Hay Peak TP, 20/16 TP, near Crazy Creek TP, near Bessa Towers TP, then home to WSC. Logged five hours.

Kerry Towing us to a nearly cloudless sky



Heading north on the Mendos


Cloud and haze near Hy Peak TP


Passing Blk Butte TP southbound clouds to the north were near Yola Peak