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SLC to JAC Turbulence Forecast

Is the Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
SLC
→
JAC
Salt Lake City · Jackson Hole · 0h 55m
76
Turb Score
0h 55m
Duration
180 nm
Distance
25,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Heavy
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SLC–JAC

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h0h 55m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SLC–JAC route

The Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole route crosses the Rocky Mountains — one of the most turbulent regions in North America. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when strong winds blow over mountain peaks, creating powerful invisible waves that extend to cruise altitude. The worst turbulence typically occurs in the first 30–60 minutes when the aircraft is climbing over the range.

The route is served by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines on Embraer E175 · CRJ-700 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 25,000 feet over a distance of 207 miles (180 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy.

Turbulence levels on SLC–JAC

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm
LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady
ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause
HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly SLC–JAC

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on SLC–JAC

Embraer E175

Front
Rows 1–3
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 4–10
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 11+
Rougher
Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

SLC to JAC turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JAC → SLC
Jackson Hole → Salt Lake City
Heavy
JAC → DEN
Jackson Hole → Denver
Heavy
DEN → JAC
Denver → Jackson Hole
Heavy
SLC → LAX
Salt Lake City → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → SLC
Los Angeles → Salt Lake City
Light
DEN → LAX
Denver → Los Angeles
Moderate
See all mountain routes →
All SLC routes→ All JAC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole flight turbulent?
The SLC–JAC route typically experiences heavy turbulence. Heavy turbulence likely — stay seated with seatbelt fastened. The turbulence score for this route is 76/100.
When is turbulence worst on SLC to JAC?
Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on SLC to JAC?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer E175 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 4–10. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SLC to JAC?
The SLC to JAC flight takes approximately 0h 55m, covering 207 miles (180 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SLC to JAC?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, flying Embraer E175 · CRJ-700 aircraft.