Cerro Arco (Mendoza)
📍 Mendoza · Nearest city: Las Heras (10 km)
60 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1640 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
-32.83970, -68.93360Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 01:18 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~720 m, wind 15 km/h.
base ~720m · wind 15 km/hVery favorable day for XC, cloud base ~1080 m, wind 12 km/h.
base ~1080m · wind 12 km/hFlyable day, decent conditions, cloud base ~965 m, wind 9 km/h.
base ~965m · wind 9 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Detailed hourly weather
2026-04-21❌ Not recommended · peak 45 at 18h
- Very stable day (CAPE<50, LI>2) — no thermals
- Cloud cover >85% — no radiation to trigger thermals
| 08 20 | 09 20 | 10 30 | 11 30 | 12 35 | 13 25 | 14 25 | 15 25 | 16 35 | 17 30 | 18 45 | 19 35 | 20 35 |
Peak 18h: CAPE 0 J/kg · LI 7.3 · BL top 1185 m · w* 0.0 m/s · cloud base 2702 m · 0°C at 4030 m · Pro score 56/100
Hourly flyability (0–100). ⛈️ = storm risk · ☁️⚠️ = cloud suck · 🏔️ = active ridge lift. CAPE = convective energy, LI = stability, BL top = thermal ceiling, w* = estimated dry thermal velocity. Source: Open-Meteo (ECMWF/GFS/ICON blend model).
Estimated vertical profile (Sounding)
Reference time: 18:00 (peak of the day)
Surface T: 11.5°C · Td: 3.0°C
LCL (cloud base): 1062 m
BL top: 1185 m
0°C level: 4030 m
Approximate profile from surface variables + synoptic levels. Red lines = temperature, dashed blue = dew point. Orange bands = detected inversions.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 10 | High |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.75 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.46 | Slope faces north in southern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Real takeoff terrain
| SRTM elevation | 1625 m AMSL |
| Average slope | 15.0° |
| Slope aspect | 18° (N) |
| Hemisphere | south — Slope facing the daytime sun (favorable for thermals) |
Derived from SRTM 30m (NASA).
Takeoff description
The take off has 270°, easiest with easterly winds.
Rules and notes
no regulation
Pilot comments
There are two clubs using Cerro Arco. One has a clubhouse with large circular grassy landing area (club Cerro Arco), clubhouse, parking area, bar and BBQ.
Nearby sites
Cerro Arco (Mendoza) (44) · SkyTour.com.ar (64) · Tres Marías (Ullum Dam) (35) · SFMO (32) · Nogoli-San Luis (3) · Leon Colgado (54)