Utah Windriders Association

Lower Gooseberry Res. is up on the Wasatch Plateau (8,400ft elevation) just like Skyline Dr (turn left right at the top of Fairview Canyon). My general thinking is that these high elevation locations could get some pretty good updraft flow when the valleys get this hot. Maybe some of you Skyline guys would have some thoughts on if these hot hot days would create a good updraft that could be turned into a good flow on the top. The Res. is not too wide (probably 800ft) but it is probably a mile long with the long direction perpendicular to the wind direction (I'm guessing the wind would be a SW or W). It is also clear of any trees and surrounded with nice grass. I rode it one time out in front of a thunderstorm which is hard to call a success other than maybe I can claim to be the only kiteboarder to have every rode there. I think it could be worth a try, there is camping there and fishing and if nothing else the temperature should be 25 degrees cooler than down in valley. It's close enough for me that I might run up there this weekend and see if there is any wind.

P.S. This is probably a question for the Gransville Res crowd but is it okay to ride in a small reservoir with people fishing from the shore? Are they getting pissed off at you for scaring all the fish?

P.S.S. I found a nice picture of the reservoir at http://www.deq.utah.gov/test/Divisions/ ... WERGOS.pdf

Nobody has ever complained about my scaring the fish, but snagging their line gets them pissed. On my last trip to Provo Boat Harbor, I was just completing a tack when I noticed a guy on the bank waving and yelling. Seems that even though I was well off shore, my fin had hooked his line so solidly that it ripped the rod out of his hands.

Dean,

I am not sure about updraft wind at Lower Goosebery Reservior. Sounds like an interesting idea.

As far as fisherman go, I did have a guy cast his line and it wrapped around 2 of my kite lines at Grantsville. I let him reel in and he only lost his hook. I rode with 12" of line and hook covered with Powerbait for about an hour. Before it finally fell off. I apologized to the fisherman for getting too close. After that experience I stay 100 feet from any fisherman and/or fishing boat.

Hey Dean,
For sure I think there is a thermal up top of Skyline in these conditions. I have NOT kitesurfed up there yet..actually thinking about going today. I have hiked up there quite a bit and the thermal winds seem pretty gusty and rocking.....I think a paraglider could go to 20,000 feet easy!

Todays forecast model for Skyline, that I use in winter, shows southwest at 14, so its probably going to have something midday/afternoon.

I have been to Millsite Res near Ferron, and it seems to get an afternoon/evening catabatic downhill flow. And I hear rumors that Huntington res is the same.

I think Ryan has ridden at some of those spots as well.

If we find anything good I'll post back.
Windzup,
Brian Schenck