Chelan Butte, Chelan, WA
Description:
Chelan Butte is known world wide for its big thermals and the XC potential over the 'flats' (Eastern WA farmlands). Chelan has a reputation for having 'big' air, which can definitely be the case depending on conditions. Climb rates of over 2000fpm are possible, with 1000-1500fpm frequently observed. The fine soil of the 'flats' is easily pulled into strong-cored thermals, producing prominent 'dust devils' that pepper the landscape. With multiple spacious launches and LZs, it's no wonder that national and international competitions are frequently held at the Butte. Launch Elevation is approximately 3800ft and the main LZ is at 800ft.
Site Protocol:
The road to launch and the top of the Butte are public lands. 4WD is recommended and a shovel and fire extinguisher are required on all vehicles. DO NOT go off the main road, especially the side road that goes to Lone Pine LZ, WALK!! There is a sign posted there advising pilots of other restrictions. Be careful not to park over grass, and avoid committing other fire hazards.
Airspace:
The airspace around Chelan is unrestricted up to 18,000ft MSL, however on good days, longer XC flights might take you close to controlled airspace. Please make sure you know where these areas are. This map will help. For complete information consult an up-to-date sectional map and check any NOTAMs on the day you are flying.
Conditions:
You will want to run a thermal index calculation, or check a soaring forecast, before flying Chelan mid-day April to September. Light winds are preferable, but moderate winds are doable however, it will be more active conditions with both horizontal and vertically moving air. Keep in mind that the thermals are right off launch and are strong, so be on FULL ALERT until you are well clear of the terrain. Thermals will develop as early as 10am or you may have to wait until 1:00pm if it's high pressure and stable. 11am to noon is the average launch window for XC flights. Watch out for dust devils on launch, they are more than strong enough to yank you off the ground. Only be hooked in and laid out when you are ready to launch and keep watch in every direction.
On a typical light wind day, a Catabatic flow funnels out of the Cascades and down Lake Chelan. So typically you'll launch 'Lakeside' in the morning and land at the Lone Pine LZ. As the thermals start, they will back off the Catabatic and start rolling up 'Ants in the Pants' launch. As it heats up and the sun clocks around, the thermals will come up 'Between the Rocks', this is the typical mid-day launch.
If there is a West wind, it can be very strong in the morning and possibly coming in both 'Lakeside' and 'Green Monster'. As the thermals start, it will mainly be 'Green Monster', possibly switching to 'Between the Rocks' periodically. Conditions on launch will likely seem gusty, peaking high and lulling. Thermals mixed with wind are generally more active conditions, especially at a dry hot site such as Chelan.
The river and the lake offer excellent wind information. Really watch for a strong West wind, it can increase quickly if there are high winds aloft. If the river is showing white caps, you probably shouldn't launch. Wenatchee is the closest airport, so you can get surface wind forecasts from there and check winds aloft out of Yakima, and for Spokane to get a more complete picture.
Directions:
To Launch: From Wenatchee take Hwy 97 Alternate to Chelan (West side of river). Just as you start driving along Lake Chelan are getting to town, Chelan Butte Road is on your Right, across from the Lakeside Best Western. Take Chelan Butte Road all the way to the top. It will turn into a dirt road after a couple miles, just continue up. As you crest the top, go right to the launch areas.
To Lone Pine LZ: As you are heading up to launch, where Chelan Butte Road turns from pavement to dirt, Lone Pine LZ is just off to the left (North). It is a long grassy field with a tall Pine at one end. DO NOT drive out there even though there is a nice dirt road, or you will jeopardize continued use of the LZ. Watch out for sinky air behind the burm which runs the length of the field on the lake side.
To Chelan Fall Park LZ from Wenatchee: On the East side of the river, over Odabastian Bridge, Take Hwy 97. (North/East). Keep going about 30 minutes, the road will turn left and cross over Bebee Bridge and the Columbia River. On the other side, take the left towards Chelan on Hwy 150. Take the next left at Chelan Falls Road. Continue on over a bridge to the second left. Turn left on A Street , cross the railroad tracks and turn right, then turn left into the parking area. The park is the only thing down there next to the river and is hard to miss.
From Launch to Chelan Fall's Park: At the bottom of Chelan Butte Road, take a right towards Chelan. The road curves North across a bridge and comes to a light. Turn right. Follow the road as it veers right at Les Schwab to Hwy 150. At the bottom of the hill take a right at the sign for Chelan Falls Park. Continue on over a bridge to the second left. Turn left on A Street, cross the railroad tracks and turn right, then turn left into the parking area.