Increased Turbulent Experience and High Winds While Flying during Winter Season

John Henry writes:

From October to present, I have noticed an increase experience of turbulent and high wind activity while flying both in the region of Norton Sound via Bering Air and Ravn and between Unalakleet, Nome and Anchorage (from the mountain range to landing). In those instances, there was open water in various sections of the body of water. This on a variety of planes including DeHavilland DHC-8-100, Cessna C208B EX Grand Caravan, Piper PA31-350 Navajo, or Piper PA31 Chieftain.

Rick Thoman with National Weather Service writes:

"Passenger experiences of in-flight turbulence involve many factors, including type of aircraft, time of day and random chance. However, all other things being equal, stronger low level winds can lead to an increase in turbulence. For the six months from October 2017 through March 2018 the average wind speed near 10,000 ft from Unalakleet to Nome was much stronger than normal, ranking in the top five in the past 70 years. In contrast, the average 10,000 ft wind speed for the six months from the Alaska Range into Anchorage was much lighter than average."

Erica Mitchell writes:

Other LEO members have also observed changes in wind patterns. During the summer of 2017, Stanley Oxereok observed that the community of Wales has experienced a change in weather and wind patterns, and specifically sees more wind from the west and south.

Changes in north-south temperatures that drive the jet stream affect wind strength. Professor of Atmospheric Science Paul Williams is quoted in an article discussing air turbulence, as saying that "stronger winds will increase the amount of 'shear' in the jet stream, which results in clear-air turbulence." Clear air turbulence is the difference in wind speed and direction at different levels in the atmosphere. In a news article published early September of 2016, researchers from Reading University commented on increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which create different levels of airflow that move at different speeds, causing clear-air turbulence. Read more here.

Comments from LEO Network Members:

"I noticed that in my area (Pedro Bay), the winds in the fall and winter are stronger than what they were 25 years ago. It's common for winds to be 50 mph and higher, it never used to be that way." Verna Kolyaha