"Casey Wilson" N2310D @ gmail.com wrote in message
news:iqbbe.6406$Nc.4745@trnddc08...

"Morgans" wrote in message
news


There is some disagreement with this, and here is a clip:
Normally the rotor clouds is centered beneath the lenticular cloud. Most
often it extends anywhere from ground level to mountaintop level, but is
frequently observed up to 35,000 feet. Destructive turbulence from the
rotor
rarely exists more than 2,000-3,000 feet above mountaintop level.

http://www.mountainflying.com/mountain_wave2.htm

My point is, just because you clear the ridge, there are still dangers
that
can ruin your day, if the winds are right. Further down in the article,
this author talks about rotors that do not have a visible cloud.

If the wind is blowing strong, close to perpendicular to the ridge, best
wait until early the next day, and see if the winds are calmed down.

Hey, I just read, and remember. I have no idea if what everyone says is
true. I would rather be safe, than sorry. YMMV
--
Jim in NC

Hmmmm, I've been through the rotor a few times -- while yanking and
banking on the end of a 200' length of towrope behind a tow-plane. The
first time is the worst. After that you remember to breathe and you don't
suck quite as hard on the seat cushion.
When you're headed for the primary wave developed on the east slope of
the Sierra, the rotor is unavoidable. Some folks, with more skill than I
possess, ride thermals up into the secondary wave and, when high enough
slide over to the primary.
I guess I never thought of the rotor as destructive. Maybe I shouldn't
do that again.

It can be fatal but that is an extreme case with winds at ridgetop level
over 100kts. There is a chapter in Exploring the Monster describing a
flight into a rotor by Mt. Tom which is slightly north of Bishop where the
glider broke up and the pilots were subject to +16G and -20G. I have
actually "heard" rotors hissing and roaring near Genoa, NV with winds over
100kts at ridge level but calm in the valley because of a strong inversion
so it happens but only in extreme weather. It was a textbook day for a
record attempt but nobody flew out of Minden that day. In any case, gliders
are much better suited to thiese conditions than GA airplanes.

Mike
MU-2