Boise to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

BOI → BUR · 657 miles · ~1h 49m

What to Expect

The Boise to Burbank route, heading south for about an hour and 49 minutes, offers some unique potential for turbulence. Shortly after takeoff, you'll be crossing the Northern Rockies, which can generate what's called Mountain Wave Turbulence. This happens when strong winds flow over the mountains, creating waves in the atmosphere, like ripples in a pond. Later in the flight, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The sun heats the desert floor, causing warm air to rise rapidly. This creates Thermal Turbulence, similar to the bumps you feel on a hot day while driving. Finally, as you approach Burbank, you will be traversing the Sierra Nevada, another mountain range that can also generate Mountain Wave Turbulence. Experienced pilots are very familiar with these patterns. They constantly monitor weather conditions and use onboard radar to navigate for the smoothest possible ride.

The Boise to Burbank route crosses the Northern Rockies, a rugged expanse of high peaks in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Mountain wave turbulence is frequent here, especially when Pacific storm systems push strong winds over the Continental Divide. Pilots often report moderate chop between 30,000 and 40,000 feet over this region.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Northern Rockies generate powerful lee waves when Pacific fronts drive westerly flow across the high terrain.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The summer months tend to be the smoothest time to fly this route, with winter, fall, and early fall also generally providing calmer flights. Late fall, winter, spring, and summer can be a bit bumpier due to stronger winds over the mountain ranges (especially the Northern Rockies and Sierra Nevada) which contribute to Mountain Wave Turbulence. Additionally, the summer heat over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts amplifies Thermal Turbulence, which might lead to a choppier experience during those times of year.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight often provides a smoother experience because the air hasn't had as much time to heat up and create those thermal updrafts over the deserts. Any turbulence you might encounter on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a road with small potholes, rather than anything dramatic. Choosing a seat over the wing can minimize the sensation of movement. Staying well-hydrated can also help you feel more comfortable, and remember to breathe deeply; many people find it subconsciously helps them to relax. Know that the pilots are highly skilled at managing these conditions, and their priority is your safety and comfort.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.