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SLC to RNO Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SLC
→
RNO
Salt Lake City · Reno · 1h 12m
8.7
Turb Score
1h 12m
Duration
354 nm
Distance
28,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
moderate-severe
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SLC–RNO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 12m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SLC–RNO route

The Salt Lake City to Reno 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, Southwest, United on Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 28,000 feet over a distance of 407 miles (354 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SLC–RNO

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–RNO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SLC–RNO

Embraer 175

Front
Rows 1–11
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 12-18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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 RNO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

RNO → SLC
Reno → Salt Lake City
moderate-severe
LAX → SLC
Los Angeles → Salt Lake City
Light
See all mountain routes →
All SLC routes→ All RNO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Salt Lake City to Reno flight turbulent?
The SLC–RNO route typically experiences moderate-severe turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 8.7/100.
When is turbulence worst on SLC to RNO?
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 RNO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer 175 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12-18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SLC to RNO?
The SLC to RNO flight takes approximately 1h 12m, covering 407 miles (354 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SLC to RNO?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Southwest, United, flying Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft.