Bentonville to Salt Lake City Turbulence Forecast

XNA → SLC · 1,003 miles · ~2h 30m

What to Expect

Flying northwest from Bentonville (XNA) to Salt Lake City (SLC) is just over 1000 miles and crosses varied terrain, so it's normal to encounter some turbulence. Departing XNA, you'll cross the Ozark Plateau, where convective turbulence, caused by rising warm air, can create some bumps. Next, you’ll enter Tornado Alley, so thunderstorms could mean severe convective turbulence. As you continue across the Great Plains, anticipate the possibility of clear-air turbulence (CAT), which occurs even in cloudless skies due to wind shear. Finally, as you approach SLC, you’ll fly over the Front Range and the Central Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence, created by wind flowing over the mountains, is common. Keep in mind pilots are trained to manage these conditions, and they constantly monitor weather to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

Flights between Bentonville and Salt Lake City pass along the Front Range, where the abrupt rise of the Colorado Rockies generates some of the strongest mountain wave turbulence in the continental U.S. Downdrafts east of the ridgeline can be intense, and rotor turbulence near the surface sometimes extends to cruising altitude during high-wind events.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Convective Turbulence: The Ozark Plateau frequently lies at the convergence of contrasting air masses, fueling thunderstorms and convective turbulence.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: Strong westerly winds over the Front Range create oscillating waves that can produce sustained moderate turbulence at jet cruise levels.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest flight, aim to travel during the fall, which tends to be the calmest time for this route. Winter and summer are also generally good. However, spring and early summer tend to be bumpier because of increased thunderstorm activity in Tornado Alley and convective turbulence across the Ozark Plateau and Great Plains. Early spring can also bring more mountain wave turbulence as winds pick up over the Rockies.

Tips for This Flight

The best way to potentially minimize turbulence is to book a morning flight, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter will likely feel like driving on a bumpy, unpaved road, but remember that it is a normal part of flying, especially on this route. To enhance your comfort, choose a seat over the wing, as this area experiences less motion. Stay hydrated, breathe deeply, and know that the pilots are expertly navigating the skies, ensuring a safe arrival.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Bentonville or to Salt Lake City.

More from Bentonville

More to Salt Lake City

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.