Agave Hill

31.9130, -106.5070

1622m

No

No

There is some turbulence at the launch face and in front but it is benign. There is no cliff or major obstacles either in front or behind launch which means it's easy to bail in case you need or want to. The area in front of launch generally has good lift if the winds are coming in over 12 mph. Soaring is possible with as little 5-6 mph if you launch at just the right part of the cycle (at the beginning). To get to the top of the mountains, see 'Soaring the Triangle' below. Do not fly north and enter the the canyon from Agave because you may encounter much stronger winds near the Mundy's Gap vortex. However, the house thermal is at the north end of the hill just north of Agave Hill (see image below). Do NOT fly behind launch unless you are certain the winds aloft are less than 15 (PG only). Top landing at Agave is possible but difficult because of the danger of being sucked into Mundy's Gap. In general, you want to stay out in front of Agave and to the south of the canyon. These areas are safe from the effects of the vortex at the Gap. Skilled pilots can attempt top landings if they check the winds behind launch.

Be certain to check winds aloft. If it's over 20 mph at 9K', do not fly (PG) as you can get blown over the top which would be an adventure. Remember: This is the desert and air during mid day can be challenging. Less experienced pilots should stick to the early AM or late PM. Laminar air is almost always present late in the day and dreamboat soaring in the Franklins occurs at that time. Thermals are gigantic here, as in the Owens Valley, so always check the weather or with us before flying.