Salt Lake City to Bentonville Turbulence Forecast

SLC → XNA · 1,003 miles · ~2h 30m

What to Expect

The Salt Lake City to Bentonville route can be a bit bumpy, depending on the time of year. Shortly after takeoff, you'll be crossing the Central Rockies and then the Front Range, both of which are known for mountain wave turbulence. This happens when strong winds are forced up and over the mountains, creating waves in the atmosphere that can cause bumpy rides. As you continue east over the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence, often abbreviated CAT, which is caused by differing air masses moving at different speeds. Approaching Bentonville, you'll be flying over Tornado Alley, where severe convective turbulence can occur due to thunderstorms, especially during certain seasons, and then finally the Ozark Plateau, where convective turbulence is common. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns and use weather forecasting and radar to navigate around any significant turbulence. It's all part of a routine flight.

Between Salt Lake City and Bentonville, 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

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest flights on this route are usually in the summer and early fall, then late fall into early winter. During these months, the atmospheric conditions tend to be more stable, minimizing both mountain wave and convective turbulence. In contrast, winter and early spring can be bumpier due to stronger winds over the Rockies leading to increased mountain wave turbulence. Spring and early summer are also prone to more convective turbulence as thunderstorm activity increases in Tornado Alley and the Ozark Plateau.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, aim for a morning flight, as the atmosphere is generally more stable earlier in the day, potentially leading to a smoother ride. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy, unpaved road, or a boat gently rocking on the water. To help stay calm, consider choosing a seat over the wing, which tends to offer a bit more stability, and be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the flight. Remember, the crew is trained to handle all types of turbulence, and they're there to ensure your safety and comfort.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.