Wind and thermals · Updated 2026-09-30
Plan an approach around the wind.
RidgeRead Pro wind scenarios estimate how wind and slope thermals move across terrain. Compare how conditions could affect your approach before you cross a ridge or enter a drainage.
Free includes 3 analyses per month. Pro Monthly is $4.99/month. See current plans and annual availability.
Inspect the terrain example · Watch the terrain lesson · Download RidgeRead
Best for
- Comparing wind exposure along a planned approach.
- Inspecting weather-based estimates or a scenario with your own inputs.
- Saving a supported scenario with its conditions for offline reference.
Not for
- Measuring the wind at your exact location.
- Treating modeled flow as a guarantee that elk cannot detect your scent.
Example: cross the saddle or stay on the sidehill?
Start with the two terrain candidates in our worked example. Open a wind scenario for your supported planning area, check the wind-from direction and compare each approach with the estimated flow. Change the time and thermal inputs before assuming the morning route works in the afternoon.
If the estimate carries air toward the cover you intend to inspect, choose another approach or wait. Confirm the decision with repeated wind checks in the field. This is a planning example, not a recorded observation of conditions at the sample.
Know which kind of estimate you are reading
Weather mode starts from available weather conditions; manual mode uses the conditions you enter. Terrain changes the estimated flow. Thermals model local slope heating and cooling, not complete valley circulation.
Check the scenario time, inputs and coverage before using it. Local gusts, vegetation and conditions beyond the modeled area can differ from the display.
Pro access, coverage and saved scenarios
Wind scenarios are a Pro tool. Availability depends on supported terrain and weather data for the selected area; a basemap does not establish model coverage. The app reports unavailable inputs instead of proving conditions where data is missing.
A saved offline scenario preserves its recorded inputs and time. It does not receive new weather while disconnected. Check current plans and available coverage in the app before preparing a trip.
FAQs
- Is this live measured wind?
- No. It is a weather-based estimate or a manual simulation, identified in the scenario. Confirm actual conditions in the field.
- Can I save it offline?
- Supported scenarios can be saved on the device. Their weather, time and inputs remain a snapshot until updated online.