Photo Credits: John Barsness, Shada Luby
| Site Description: Great
launch site for ridge soaring or a thermal take-off point; Brad Bloxham
and Gerry Gibeault both went XC for 15 miles from here in 2005.
Beautiful setting, remote launch site between Albion and
Connor in Southern Idaho. If you are in the area...go!
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Wind Requirements: This site can be launched with winds from SW to East. Ridge faces basically SE. Ridge and a "bowl" make for many launch-able angles. Flattish takeoff area. Can be launched & flown in stronger conditions by capable pilots. | Preferred Rating: This is a P-3 or above site during thermal conditions, but could be safely flown by a P-2 during mild morning or evening breezes. | Hazards: Rapidly changing weather, big thermal conditions, no "defined" LZ. | Restrictions: Launch is on public land. Landing areas are mostly on private land. |
| Driving Directions: Drive to the Pomerelle Ski Area SW of Albion, ID. From the lodge, a gravel road leads into the trees out to the ridge. You will need a good topo map of the area to find your way and a GPS would be helpful. There is also a road leading directly up the hill from Hwy 77 to the launch; enter via a cattle gate and up the rough gravel road to launch. | Access: Access to takeoff is on public lands. Landing areas are private property and access should be obtained before flying here. Frank Gillette in Declo is a good contact for flying here; he knows the locals. If you choose to fly without asking first, at your risk, close gates and use common sense... | Vehicle requirements:
2wd vehicle
with good clearance will get you to launch, but 4X4 is definitely
preferred. The "shortcut" road to launch is definitely a 4x4 road.
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Landing: Top land-able with no problem, flattish hill with gently rounded top at launch. LZ is several hundred acres of mostly cattle grazing ground and hay fields. If you don't make it out to the Connor Store, you will land and hike out. Rancher keeps gate locked. | Approximate GPS Launch coordinates: 42° 18.77'N, 113° 34.70'W Preferred Landing LZ coordinates: 42° 16.84'N, 113° 30.05'W Vertical: 3350' Launch Elev: 8300' |
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