Surface maps tell you where the fronts are, and show you the atmospheric pressure distribution in the region. Good for figuring out if you have to call in sick, or just leave work early when a front's about to hit.
If the jet stream is over us with any speed, it greatly influences the sailing. This holds true unless we have dreaded "afternoon thunderstorms" in the area. Northerly or northwesterly jets will mean better sailing at Utah Lake. Westerly jet stream generally means good sailing at Sulfur Creek, and DeerCreek.
US Jet Stream from TWC
US Jet from SFSU & Accuview
Winds Aloft will give you the daily (6 AM, 6 PM) winds aloft reading from the radiosonde balloon sent up at SLC airport. Its useful for figuring out just what’s up there and which way it’s blowing. As the day heats up, these winds tend to mix more with the surface and affect our sailing. Note which altitude corresponds to where you are going, i.e., 7,000 ft is close to the elevation of Sulfur Creek.
Mesonet for Northern Utah Great site map of northern Utah and Wyoming with hot buttons for every reporting station in the area. Drag your mouse over the area you wish to check, then click and you'll get the last 12-24 hours of conditions.
10 Day SLC Forecast from
weather.com. Somewhat useful for predicting Rush wind.
NOAA SLC Forecasts From Trip Houk (who never gets skunked) : "This site offers clickable forecasts and observation readings for specific areas. Here's how I use it: Scroll down to the map and click on the area which want to sail, (if you don't know click on area forecast) if it mentions wind of 10+ in the forecast, it will probably be sailable. Compare the current readings with the forecast, then you can go to the bottom of the page to get actual satellite pictures and radar readings."
Specific Point Weather Forecast Search by zip code; address; city,state; latitude/longitude, or, simply point on the map with the cursor to where you want the specific forecast for and click (map in this link, not the map to the right)... 1,3, or 6 hour increments etc... This is still under the "Experimental" heading on NOAA, however, it has been pretty accurate. Try it out.
Penny's is about 1/2 mile to the South of Rush. The Stockton Bar is about 2
Miles to the North, but high up in the foothills, and being higher up in the
atmosphere, usually reads high. The average between the 2 is the most likely
wind speed at Rush. If the wind is different directions between the 2, wait an
hour and try again. The Lake Point Predictor is (very roughly) a good predictor
for the wind Rush will get about an hour later. Time Series allow you to check
which way the wind, temperature, and pressure are trending, should you be bold
enough to try and predict when the wind will be at Rush and how strong the wind
will be.
The Provo Muni Airport reads pretty true to North wind speeds at Lindon. South readings are pretty consistent if the wind is Southwest. If the wind is Southeast, don't go to Utah lake. The Saratoga Springs site is not far from the city park and should be good for checking weather at the park (Just a couple of miles South of Rocky Point). The Springville (SSB) site is becoming popular with Kite Boarders as a qualifier for wind at the South Sandy Beach. The Bluffdale site appears to switch North about 2 hours before the North gets to SSB.
The Charleston station is just North of lake, but about 20 feet off the ground. Charleston is currently the best indicator of wind on the lake, and is pretty consistent with what you'd be sailing. The Dam Chute is very consistent with what you'd be sailing at Sailboat Beach, but it's typically only up in the late fall and early spring. The Arrowhead reporting station is at 8,252 feet is a good predictor of planable winds from the Southwest later that day at DeerCreek (the "Pine" effect).
Courtesy Mike Rosberg: Anywhere between mile post 91 and 92, on I 80. I don't know if its really legal to park or not. Just flip your hood up before you go out.
South only works if we have some strong south. The North Thermal is strong. The Bermester link is right on the west end of the ponds. The north thermal is not as strong as Rush since we don't have any venturi effect
The Bullhead City report is fairly accurate with North wind on the lake at Katherine's. South wind is fairly accurate at 6 Mile Cove to the Searchlight reading.
Current Southwest Surface Map-Click for more clarity
NOAA Cabinsite Point Forecast The NOAA point forecast seems to be shortranged - accurate for the next two or three days. Check out the 10 day Weather Channel forecast for a long range forecast.
Driving east on I-80 drive an exit past Park City to exit at 40. Exit Silver Summit. Drive past Home Depot. Please respect the property, fences, etc. Use all kiting safety knowledge so that we are able to protect these kiting sites... (more summary to be added please email RickH…thx)
Lake effect Snow and Wind from the GSL can bring powered riding. Wind pours from the North & South, with steady wind starting around 10 mph.(more summary to be added please email RickH…thx)
Skyline Drive in Fairview Utah discovered for Snowkiting by Brian and Heather Schenck. Some argue that it has the best terrain for snowkiting in the world... Try it for yourself. (more summary to be added please email RickH…thx)
