Des Moines to Anchorage Turbulence Forecast

DSM → ANC · 2,670 miles · ~5h 50m

What to Expect

Your flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Anchorage (ANC) is a roughly northwest journey of about 2670 miles, taking you across a couple of areas prone to a specific type of turbulence called clear-air turbulence, or CAT. The first of these is the Upper Midwest, and the second is the Great Plains. CAT is caused by sudden changes in wind speed and direction at high altitudes, so it can occur even when the sky looks perfectly clear. Think of it like encountering a few unexpected speed bumps on a long highway drive. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasting tools to anticipate and navigate them, often adjusting altitude slightly to find a smoother ride. It’s all part of the routine of flying, and they are well-equipped to handle it.

Between Des Moines and Anchorage, the flight passes over the Upper Midwest, where the polar jet stream frequently dips southward in winter, creating a broad zone of clear-air turbulence. The flat terrain means mountain waves are not a factor, but the jet stream's proximity to the surface in this region amplifies CAT intensity at typical cruise altitudes.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The Upper Midwest sits beneath frequent polar jet stream intrusions, producing clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel during the summer or early fall. These months tend to be the calmest for this route. Winter and early spring are often bumpier, especially over the Great Plains and Upper Midwest. This is because the temperature differences in the atmosphere are more pronounced during these seasons, creating stronger winds aloft, which in turn leads to more frequent clear-air turbulence. But again, it's a manageable, predictable phenomenon pilots work with every day.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet. The atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you might encounter on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, a little more intense than a gentle rocking. To help yourself feel more comfortable, choose a seat over the wing; it's usually the most stable part of the plane. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on slow, deep breaths, and know that the pilots are constantly monitoring the conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.