Detroit to Spokane Turbulence Forecast

DTW → GEG · 1,699 miles · ~3h 54m

What to Expect

Your flight from Detroit to Spokane, heading northwest for almost four hours, will take you over a few different types of terrain, each with its own potential for bumps. Shortly after takeoff, you might encounter some light chop associated with air moving across the Great Lakes, called lake-effect turbulence. As you continue west, crossing the Upper Midwest and then the Great Plains, you could experience clear-air turbulence, or CAT, which is caused by shifting air currents high in the atmosphere. Finally, as you approach Spokane and fly over the Northern Rockies, be prepared for the possibility of mountain wave turbulence, which occurs when wind currents flow over the mountains. Keep in mind that pilots are very familiar with these common weather patterns. They constantly monitor conditions and adjust course or altitude to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

The Detroit to Spokane 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

• 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 Northern Rockies generate powerful lee waves when Pacific fronts drive westerly flow across the high terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, aim to fly this route in the summer, early fall, or fall. The atmosphere tends to be more stable during these months, reducing the chance of significant turbulence. However, late fall, winter, early spring, and spring tend to be bumpier. The combination of lake-effect from the Great Lakes meeting cold air, plus stronger jet streams that contribute to clear-air turbulence, and more intense mountain wave activity over the Rockies, can make for a rockier ride.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight often provides a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more settled earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road; it’s more of an annoyance than anything alarming. To help yourself relax, consider choosing a seat over the wing, which tends to experience less motion, and remember to stay hydrated. Taking slow, deep breaths can also help calm your nerves. The crew is there to assist you with anything you need, and remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.