Updated 1/29/22

Site guide

Monroe Training Hill Launch

Site guide and risk recommendations for Monroe Training Hill

Launch 6155ft/1876m GPS 38°34'35.54"N 112° 7’27.61"W LZ: 5715ft/1741m GPS 38°31'52.91"N 112°10’8.59”W

About

Monroe training hill is a 400 foot vertical foothill of Monroe Mountain located south and East of Monroe City. High clearance 2wd can make it about 100 feet below launch, 4 wheel drive is needed to get to the launch or parking below and hiking is a possibility.

In light conditions, launching is possible in all directions except SSE and SE. Afternoon directions work best with a N, NW, W, SW direction. P3, P4 launching only for thermic conditions depending on honest skill level.

Mid day launching is not recommended due to consistent strong thermic activity locality.

Another foothill to the south and south west produces an obvious rotor. It is recommended to stay above the hill if soaring to the south is possible. Benching up to the higher foothills and ridge to the east of launch is possible given perfect conditions and timing.

Landing zone can be thermic if the sun is out and the land heated. The surrounding valley colors are mostly shades of brown with pinion pine the south and east.

There is a high voltage power line to the west of launch easily seen and avoided. Also a fence west of launch should be noted and avoided.

P2 site for morning and evening as conditions allow, P4’s only for top landing.

Launch is at the top of the hill and caution should be used to avoid being blown over the back. The hill is mostly grass covered so side hill launches lower on the hill are possible and recommended in stronger conditions.

Site Features and Weather

Katabatibc wind in the morning coming down out of Monroe Canyon can often wrap around to the south and create a gentle north wind on launch.

Afternoons and evenings tend to be more west, shifting to the north.

Prefrontal conditions can cause strong south west and south winds and can blow out the site.

Late evening conditions from the south west about 12-15 mph can cause a localized wave or “microwave” off the foothill to the south west of launch. This can be used to soar the ridge running south of launch. Careful of rotor zone behind and under the elevation of the foot hill out front. Confirmation of lifting conditions off launch are needed before attempting to bench up into the foothills.

Known Accidents at Monroe Training Hill:

None

Land owner situation and insurance:

Monroe training hill launch and landing zones are on public land and is NOT insured or managed by the Central Utah Air Sports Association. CUASA. The information about using Monroe Training Hill launch and landing is provided as a free public service in order to help you fly safely and not upset the land owners and cause permission to use this site to be revoked. If you fly here you do so at your own risk and judgement. Just remember that everything you do reflects and effects all of us in the sport of free flight. If you would like advice on safely using the Poverty site you may contact stacy@cuasa.com -jef@cuasa.com jonathan@cuasa.com

Monroe Training Hill site cautions:

1)     P2 skills for morning and evening. Launch is possible in NNE, N, NNW, NW, W, SW, SSW conditions.

2)    P3+ skills needed for stronger conditions.

3) P4 and very advanced skills are required to attempt top landing,

4)  Helmets are recommended and should be worn any time you are attached to the glider.

5) Spectators should remain 50 feet away from laid out paragliders, and be aware of launching and flying pilots.

6) Mini wings may use the Monroe Training Hill launch, but extreme caution should be used because all of the preceding cautions are magnified when using mini wings.

7) Please keep vehicles on existing roads.

8) Stay well clear of the power lines and barb wire fencing.

9) Do not fly in rotor zones behind the ridge or to the South and West of launch

10) Katabatic wind influence is possible late evening and would come from the NE, East and SE.

11) Be aware of Virga or clouds dropping out in any of the mountain ranges surrounding as any downdraft or gust front will be magnified by the surrounding features.

12) The valley floor near by is a strong thermal producer and caution should be taken when landing midday or in thermic conditions.

13) Launch is at the top of the hill and caution should be used to avoid being blown over the back. The hill is mostly grass covered so side hill launches lower on the hill are possible and recommended in stronger conditions.