Prevailing wind vs thermals

[mad_angler]

Background... I'm in Wyoming chasing cows with a rifle in October/November. I have private land below me and to the east of me. I think the cows are feeding on the private and then climbing back to the dark timber on the public land.

Also, there is usually a pretty strong wind (let's say 15 mph). It is almost always from the west.

During the late afternoon, which will win? Will my scent go uphill and west because of the thermals? Or will it go downhill and east with the prevailing wind?

There are a few open areas. Would I have a better chance of avoiding the thermals if I stuck to the more open areas?

 

[Yoder]

Unless the wind is steady, it will probably do a little of both. I think every time the wind dies down, the thermals will take it the other direction. I would bring some milk weed to see what is happening.

 

[GunsAreFun]

That’s what I had in Colorado this year, and it was a nightmare. Wind would stop and thermals would stake over. Cloud goes over the sun and wind takes over. And then it would randomly go north and south too.

Sorry, I’m no help lol

 

[ozyclint]

How far below you are we talking about? Topography makes a big difference.
If the hill/mountain is big/steep enough and the wind strong enough it can suck up the hill in the opposite direction to the wind. Just like the low pressure zone immediately behind a large truck on the highway.