Salt Lake City to Buffalo Turbulence Forecast

SLC → BUF · 1,706 miles · ~3h 55m

What to Expect

Your flight from Salt Lake City to Buffalo crosses a diverse range of landscapes, each with its own potential for turbulence. Initially, you'll be over the Central Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence is common, especially when strong winds hit the mountains. As you continue eastward across the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), which, as the name suggests, can occur even in seemingly clear skies. Later in the flight, as you approach Buffalo, you will cross the Great Lakes, where lake-effect turbulence can occur, especially during cooler months when cold air passes over the warmer lake waters. Finally, as you descend towards Buffalo, the plane will cross the Northern Appalachians, where mechanical turbulence from the mountains may be present. These are all well-understood weather patterns that pilots are trained to navigate safely and routinely.

Between Salt Lake City and Buffalo, 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.
• Lake-Effect Turbulence: The Great Lakes produce lake-effect convection and low-level wind shear from land-water temperature contrasts.
• Mechanical Turbulence: The Northern Appalachians generate low-level mechanical turbulence during strong post-frontal northwest winds.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel during the summer or early fall. This is when the atmospheric conditions over the Great Plains and Upper Midwest are most stable, reducing the likelihood of clear-air turbulence. Conversely, winter, early spring, late fall, and early winter tend to be bumpier due to stronger winds interacting with the Central Rockies and Northern Appalachians (increasing mountain wave and mechanical turbulence), and colder air masses crossing the Great Lakes and creating lake-effect turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight often provides a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a road with potholes or strong gusts of wind on a highway. For added comfort, consider choosing a seat over the wing, as this area of the plane experiences less motion. Staying well-hydrated and practicing deep, slow breathing can also help you feel more relaxed. Remember, the pilots are highly skilled professionals trained to handle all types of weather conditions, and they are constantly monitoring the situation to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.