Lois Larson
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports to fly in and out of in America, if not the world. While turbulence is a normal and generally non-dangerous part of air travel, it can be an unpleasant experience for passengers. So, what causes Colorado's volatile air turbulence? Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes bumpy rides more commonplace. Mountain waves, which occur when air rises up and over the mountains, can cause turbulence, particularly if the wind direction is perpendicular to the ridge line. During the stormier spring and summer months, wind shear is often prevalent along the Front Range, which can create a turbulent ride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Denver Airport's location | Butted up against the Rocky Mountains |
| Air turbulence | Mountain waves, eddies and bumps |
| Wind direction | Perpendicular to the ridge line |
| Wind type | Westerly wind |
| Mountain range | North-south oriented |
| Cloud type | Stationary clouds in the shape of a flying saucer (lenticular clouds) |
| Season | Stormier spring and summer months |
| Wind shear | Prevalent along the Front Range |
| Wind speed and direction | Changes with height and creates spin |
| Clear Air Turbulence | No visual clues or hints |
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What You'll Learn
Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports in America, if not the world, due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The air turbulence experienced by flights coming in and out of the airport is caused by mountain waves—as air rises up and over the mountains, it accelerates and sinks on the lee side of the Rockies. This sinking motion is often filled with eddies and bumps, especially when the wind direction is perpendicular to the ridge line.
The Rocky Mountains are a spectacular natural playground and a bucket-list destination for many outdoor enthusiasts. The Rocky Mountain National Park, located just an hour and a half drive from Denver, offers memorable summer day trips with its rugged mountains, stunning lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park spans 415 square miles and features 355 miles of hiking trails, 147 lakes, and 77 mountains taller than 12,000 feet. Visitors can spot wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, and enjoy scenic drives like the Trail Ridge Road, which climbs to an elevation of 12,183 feet.
The Rocky Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities beyond those available in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fishing is a popular pastime, with anglers catching several types of trout. River rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing at Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak are also thrilling options for adventure seekers. The historic town of Estes Park, with its waterfalls and fishing spots, serves as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains for many visitors.
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Mountain waves
The formation of mountain waves depends on several factors, including the height of the terrain, wind speed, and atmospheric instability. They typically occur during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when large low-pressure systems and stable air masses are more common. Mountain waves can produce very strong wind gusts in narrow areas along the foothills, leading to severe turbulence that can impact aviation.
Lenticular clouds, which form in the crest of the mountain waves when the air is moist, are a distinctive sign of mountain wave activity. These clouds have a distinctive lens-like shape and can be seen downwind of the mountain range. Pilots and passengers use the presence of these clouds as a warning sign of potential turbulence ahead.
The effects of mountain waves can be mitigated by following certain guidelines when planning a flight. It is recommended to maintain a safe distance from the highest elevation along the route, typically at least 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Additionally, when approaching a mountain ridge, it is advantageous to cross at an angle of around 30 to 45 degrees to allow for an escape route should downdrafts become excessive.
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Wind direction
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports in America, if not the world. The airport's location in relation to the Rocky Mountains makes for a bumpier ride. Mountain waves are created as air rises up and over the mountains, then sinks on the lee side of the Rockies. This sinking motion is filled with eddies and bumps, particularly when the wind direction is perpendicular to the ridge line. For example, a westerly wind coming off a north-south mountain range can cause turbulence. This kind of turbulence can be predicted by the presence of stationary lenticular clouds, which are shaped like flying saucers.
Kurt Huerta, a Denver-based pilot for SkyWest Airlines, explains the experience of flying in such conditions: "Think about a boat in an intense sea. Waves up and down... For us, going up (into the mountains) means a decrease in airspeed and an increased angle of attack. On the way down, our airspeed increases and our angle of attack as well."
During the stormier spring and summer months, wind shear is often prevalent along the Front Range, creating a bumpy ride. Wind shear is the change in wind speed and direction with height, which can make for a turbulent ride. Summertime storms can also cause strong winds, leading to turbulence or even flight diversions.
While turbulence is generally non-dangerous, it can be an unpleasant part of travelling for many passengers.
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Storm season
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports to fly in and out of in the US, if not the world. The airport's proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes for a bumpier ride than most other non-mountainous locations. Denver's geography, with mountains slicing through most of the state, creates a more turbulent nature to the air as it climbs and descends in response to the terrain.
During the stormier spring and summer months, wind shear is often prevalent along the Front Range, creating a bumpy ride in or out of Denver. Summertime storms can shake a plane or divert flights altogether. Microbursts, localized columns of sinking air that cause downdrafts, can also occur during thunderstorms or severe rain showers. Dry microbursts are also common in and near the Rocky Mountains.
The trip between Denver and Colorado Springs is particularly bumpy during storm season. Coming into Denver during this time is challenging, and flights may be diverted due to extreme turbulence. However, planes are built to withstand different types of turbulence, and pilots are trained and experienced in dealing with it.
While turbulence is a normal part of air travel, it can be an unpleasant experience for passengers. In some cases, turbulence has caused damage to aircraft and even resulted in emergency landings.
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Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports to fly in and out of. The geography of Denver, which is adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, is a contributing factor to the volatile air turbulence experienced by aircraft. This phenomenon is known as Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), which is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as "turbulence generated in clear air, in regions without clouds, which is invisible to the pilot".
CAT is caused by the turbulent movement of air masses without any visual clues, such as clouds, when bodies of air moving at vastly different speeds converge. The high troposphere, at altitudes of around 7,000–12,000 meters (23,000–39,000 feet), is the atmospheric region most susceptible to CAT as it meets the tropopause. This altitude range is typically where jet streams are found, and the wind shear they generate can cause CAT. Jet streams are fast-moving air currents that form due to temperature differences between air masses. While not all jet streams are associated with CAT, the vertical and horizontal wind shear at their edges can lead to severe clear air turbulence.
The severity of CAT depends on several factors, including the strength of the airflow, the terrain's roughness, the rate of change in elevation, and the curvature of contours. CAT can be particularly intense on the cold side of the jet stream, where the wind shear is greatest. It is challenging for pilots to detect and avoid CAT as it is invisible to the naked eye and difficult to identify with conventional radar. However, it can be remotely detected using instruments like scintillometers, Doppler LIDARs, or N-slit interferometers.
CAT poses risks to both the aircraft and the passengers and crew on board. It can cause discomfort to passengers and, in extreme cases, injuries if they are not securely fastened with seat belts. CAT can also result in structural damage to the aircraft, and in very rare cases, it has led to aircraft break-up and fatalities. Aircraft pilots are advised to follow specific procedures when encountering CAT, including maintaining recommended velocities, altering altitude and heading, and issuing Pilot Reports (PIREPs) to warn other aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
Denver International Airport is often mentioned as one of the bumpiest airports in America, if not the world. The airport's location against the Rocky Mountains makes turbulence more commonplace.
Turbulence is caused by air moving over mountains and sinking on the other side. This movement creates eddies and bumps, particularly if the wind direction is perpendicular to the ridge line.
Turbulence is a normal and generally non-dangerous part of air travel. Since 1980, only three deaths have been attributed to turbulence. However, turbulence can be an unpleasant part of travelling for many passengers.
If you see stationary clouds in the shape of a flying saucer, known as lenticular clouds, this is often a sign that you're about to experience turbulence.
