When is the Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the SLC to JAC route?

The SLC–JAC route is typically operated by Embraer E175 · CRJ-700. Airlines include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.

Is turbulence on SLC to JAC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SLC–JAC route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my SLC to JAC flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the SLC–JAC route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

SLC to JAC Turbulence Forecast

Q: 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.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SLC to JAC?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Embraer E175 · CRJ-700, that's rows 4–10. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SLC to JAC?

The SLC to JAC flight takes approximately 0h 55m, covering 207 miles (180 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 25,000 feet.

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

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

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.

Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Flight Time

How long is the flight from SLC to JAC?

0h 55m

Flight Time

207 mi

Distance

25,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Embraer E175

Aircraft

The Salt Lake City (SLC) to Jackson Hole (JAC) flight takes approximately 0h 55m, covering 207 miles (180 nautical miles) at 25,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

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

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Best time to fly SLC–JAC

Turbulence by month

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JAC → SLC

Jackson Hole → Salt Lake City

Heavy

SLC → LAX

Salt Lake City → Los Angeles

Light

LAX → SLC

Los Angeles → Salt Lake City

Light

DEN → JAC

Denver → Jackson Hole

Heavy

JAC → DEN

Jackson Hole → Denver

Heavy

ORD → LAX

Chicago → Los Angeles

Light

See all mountain routes →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Is Turbulence Dangerous?

What the safety data shows

→

Passenger Reports

Fly Salt Lake City–Jackson Hole a few times a year. June is the worst month for this route — crossing the Rockies it was severe turbulence, no question. Seatbelt sign on from about an hour in until descent. Experienced crews handle it well.

Frequent flyer · June

Worst turbulence I've seen on this route and I've done it probably 20 times. In April crossing the Rockies it was extreme — crew stayed seated, service canceled entirely. Still faster than the connection.

Regular traveler · April

I was not prepared for how rough this was. on the climb out the plane was lurching around pretty badly. A flight attendant told us it was 'expected for this route' which honestly made it worse. We landed fine but I needed a minute.

Nervous flyer · May

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.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data