Salt Lake City

Is Salt Lake City Airport turbulent?

Salt Lake City sits in a valley surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, creating mountain wave turbulence when winds are strong. The stable atmospheric layer between 12,000-18,000 feet is critical for wave formation. Winter brings snow and de-icing delays, while summer afternoon thunderstorms occasionally affect operations.

• Wasatch Mountains create mountain wave turbulence
• Stable layer at 12,000-18,000 feet critical for wave generation
• Winter brings significant snow requiring de-icing operations

How do the mountains affect Salt Lake City flights?

When strong winds blow perpendicular to the Wasatch Range, mountain waves form on the downwind side. These invisible oscillations can cause significant turbulence at altitude. Pilots familiar with the area know to expect bumps when conditions align. The effect is most pronounced during winter and spring when the jet stream passes over Utah.

When is the best time to fly from Salt Lake City?

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the most stable conditions. Winter brings snow and occasional mountain wave activity. Summer afternoons can see thunderstorms develop over the mountains. Morning flights generally face fewer weather challenges year-round.