SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-mountain-wave-lenticular

Which cloud type often signals mountain wave activity?

Lenticular clouds, often with rotor clouds below.

Start playing free

  1. Cirrus clouds high above
  2. Lenticular and rotor clouds ✔
  3. Low fog in valleys

Why: The Aviation Weather Handbook says mountain-induced wind flows are often marked by visual clues such as lenticular and rotor clouds or blowing dust. Severe events can still happen with no visual warning.

Huh, didn't know that: Blowing dust near mountains can be another clue to dangerous mountain winds.

The dad joke
Lenticular clouds look like UFOs. That's why I never trust them, they're too alien to normal.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Lenticular and rotor clouds. The Aviation Weather Handbook says mountain-induced wind flows are often marked by visual clues such as lenticular and rotor clouds or blowing dust. Severe events can still happen with no visual warning.

  1. Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28B, Chapter 16 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/FAA-H-8083-28B.pdf
    frequently accompanied by visual indicators (such as lenticular and rotor clouds or blowing dust)
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesSmooth, lens-shaped standing clouds sit over mountains. What do they warn you about?Flying & DronesIn an aviation weather report, what is the ceiling?Flying & DronesUnder Part 107, how far must a drone stay from clouds?

That's stuff everyone should know.