Tulsa to Salt Lake City Turbulence Forecast

TUL → SLC · 925 miles · ~2h 21m

What to Expect

Your flight from Tulsa (TUL) to Salt Lake City (SLC) crosses some interesting geographical features that can contribute to turbulence. Immediately after takeoff you'll be entering Tornado Alley, which, particularly in spring and early summer, can generate severe convective turbulence because of rapidly rising warm air. Then, as you cross the Great Plains, you might encounter clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is caused by shifting air currents at high altitude. Finally, as you approach Salt Lake City, your flight will cross the Front Range and the Central Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence is common due to wind flowing over the mountains. This route presents a variety of conditions, but rest assured that pilots are highly trained to navigate these well-understood weather patterns, constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting course or altitude as needed to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

Flights between Tulsa and Salt Lake City pass along the Front Range, where the abrupt rise of the Colorado Rockies generates some of the strongest mountain wave turbulence in the continental U.S. Downdrafts east of the ridgeline can be intense, and rotor turbulence near the surface sometimes extends to cruising altitude during high-wind events.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: Strong westerly winds over the Front Range create oscillating waves that can produce sustained moderate turbulence at jet cruise levels.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for travel in the fall, winter, or summer, especially early fall. These seasons tend to be more stable, with less convective activity over Tornado Alley and calmer winds over the Rockies. Spring and early summer can be bumpier, as this is when Tornado Alley is most active, leading to possible convective turbulence. Winter and early spring also tend to produce turbulent conditions. Mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies can crop up more frequently during colder months, due to stronger winds aloft.

Tips for This Flight

If you are concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you do encounter on this route will likely feel like driving quickly over a bumpy road, maybe a bit more intense at times, but rarely alarming. To help yourself feel more comfortable, choose a seat over the wing, where movement is typically less noticeable. Staying well-hydrated can also help you feel more relaxed. Remember, the pilots are experts at handling these conditions, and your safety is their top priority, so try to sit back, breathe, and enjoy the view.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.