Salt Lake City to Spokane Turbulence Forecast

SLC → GEG · 546 miles · ~1h 36m

What to Expect

Your flight from Salt Lake City to Spokane crosses some spectacular, yet potentially bumpy, terrain. Flying northwest, you'll first encounter the Central Rockies, which are often responsible for something called mountain wave turbulence. This occurs when wind flows over the mountains, creating waves in the atmosphere much like water flowing over rocks in a stream. These waves can cause noticeable bumps. Later in the flight, you'll cross the Northern Rockies, where similar mountain wave effects can occur. It's important to know that pilots are very familiar with these patterns, monitoring weather forecasts and using radar to navigate around or through them smoothly. While bumps are possible, they're a normal part of flying over mountainous regions and are well within the capabilities of your aircraft and flight crew. Think of it like driving over a few speed bumps on a well-maintained road.

Between Salt Lake City and Spokane, 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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, aim to fly this route in the summer or early fall. During these months, the atmosphere tends to be more stable, reducing the likelihood of mountain wave turbulence. Winter, early spring, and late fall tend to be bumpier. This is because stronger winds and greater temperature differences in the atmosphere can amplify the mountain wave effect as air flows over the Rockies. These seasonal changes are predictable, and your flight crew will be prepared for whatever the weather brings. Even in the bumpier seasons, most flights encounter only light to moderate turbulence, not severe.

Tips for This Flight

If you're feeling anxious, booking a morning flight is often your best bet for a smoother experience, as the atmosphere tends to be more settled earlier in the day. Any turbulence you might experience on this route is most likely to feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road; it's usually more of a nuisance than anything alarming. For added comfort, consider choosing a seat over the wing, as it's generally the most stable part of the plane. Remember to stay hydrated, and focus on slow, deep breaths. The flight will be over before you know it, and you'll be in Spokane soon!

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.