Understanding Mountain Thermals

[Newtosavage]

If intent is to glass at daybreak from a ridge top, should I set up on west side of drainage so rising sun from east causes my thermal to rise and not drop into area being glassed?

At daybreak, the thermals will still be pulling air down into the valley, sometimes for up to an hour or more after sunrise.

 

[cnelk]

Most of the areas I hunt, the thermals dont start mixing until about 1030am, but as mentioned above, its topography dependent.


For anyone scouting a new area during the summer, bring your windicator with you.
Thermals are thermals. They happen each and every day and you can get a very good idea whats happening with the air currents while you scout.

Just be sure to scout early mornings and evenings

 

[ozyclint]

It has been my experience if you find an area where the prevailing wind is always at odds with the thermals you will find a bedding/daytime hangout area.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

^this. I had access to a property for fallow deer until it recently got sold and everytime I went there the wind would blow from every point of the compass. Not thermals but just fickle wind patterns. There was more than one occasion where I packed up and went home because the constantly changing wind rendered it impossible to hunt. One time it blew from four directions in less that a minute.

Little wonder there was deer there. They can move about in almost complete security.

 

[stagliano]

Super helpful post. Thank you.

 

[timberland]

Some guys use powder to determine thermal direction/s but I prefer fine thread that can be seen floating for up to 60+ yards. On relatively still days there can be subtle differences in thermals that may change from 1 spot to the next.

Milkweed fluff is awesome for this and free.

 

[md126]

Excellent info, thanks!