Anchorage to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

ANC → BUR · 2,329 miles · ~5h 9m

What to Expect

Your flight from Anchorage to Burbank, heading southeast for about five hours, crosses some interesting terrain that can sometimes lead to a bit of chop. You'll start by heading down the Pacific Coast, where clear-air turbulence, or CAT, can occur. CAT happens because of shifting air currents high up, but pilots are very skilled at detecting and navigating it. Later, you'll be crossing the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada. These mountain ranges can create what's called mountain wave turbulence. Think of wind flowing over the mountains like water over rocks in a stream; it can create some ripples, but again, it's a very common phenomenon that pilots are well-prepared to handle. They get updated weather info throughout the flight, too.

The flight between Anchorage and Burbank passes over the Cascades, the volcanic mountain chain stretching from northern California through Washington. When moist Pacific air is forced up and over the Cascades, it creates both orographic turbulence and downstream wave activity. The terrain is especially steep near major volcanoes like Mount Rainier, amplifying the effect.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): Pacific jet streaks arriving onshore drive upper-level clear-air turbulence along the West Coast.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Cascades create lee waves and orographic turbulence, especially when Pacific weather systems push moist air over the range.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

If you're looking for the smoothest possible flight, summer and early fall are generally your best bets for this route. During these months, the atmospheric conditions tend to be more stable. Winter, early spring, and even fall and spring can be a bit bumpier. This is primarily because the changes in temperature and stronger winds around the mountains can increase the likelihood of mountain wave turbulence, and the shifting weather patterns might lead to more clear-air turbulence along the coast.

Tips for This Flight

Opting for a morning flight tends to offer a slightly smoother experience. Typically, any turbulence you might encounter on this route feels like driving on a road with a few potholes, just a little jostling. To help stay relaxed, choosing a seat over the wing can minimize the sensation of movement, and taking slow, deep breaths can work wonders. Remember, the pilots and crew are experts at managing these conditions, and your safety is always their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.