Buffalo to Salt Lake City Turbulence Forecast

BUF → SLC · 1,706 miles · ~3h 55m

What to Expect

The Buffalo to Salt Lake City flight offers a journey across diverse landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, expect possible mechanical turbulence as you fly over the Northern Appalachians, caused by wind interacting with the mountain range. As you continue westward, the flight path crosses the Great Lakes, where lake-effect turbulence may occur, especially when colder air moves over the warmer lake waters. Further along, over the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), which, as the name implies, can happen even in seemingly clear skies. Finally, approaching Salt Lake City, the Central Rockies can create mountain wave turbulence, a phenomenon caused by wind flowing over the mountains. These turbulence types are common and well-understood, and pilots are skilled in managing flights through these conditions.

Between Buffalo and Salt Lake City, the flight path crosses the Central Rockies of Colorado and Utah. This area is one of the most turbulence-prone zones in the U.S., with mountain wave activity reported on more than half of winter days. Waves can propagate far downstream, meaning turbulence may begin well before or after the visible peaks.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Mechanical Turbulence: The Northern Appalachians generate low-level mechanical turbulence during strong post-frontal northwest winds.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Upper Midwest sits beneath frequent polar jet stream intrusions, producing clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest flight, aim for summer or early fall. During these seasons, the atmosphere is generally more stable, reducing the likelihood of significant turbulence across the route. Winter, late fall, early winter, and early spring tend to be bumpier due to stronger jet streams which can contribute to clear-air turbulence, and increased lake-effect turbulence from the Great Lakes. Also, mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies is more pronounced in colder months when wind patterns are more active.

Tips for This Flight

If you are concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight can often provide a smoother ride, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route is likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, or the sensation of quick, gentle dips and lifts. To stay comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where movement is typically less noticeable, and remember to stay hydrated throughout the flight, taking slow, deep breaths if you feel anxious. Remember, the crew is well-prepared to handle any situation, and the flight will be over before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.