Near Bishop in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Project Sierra Wave
National Landmark of Soaring
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 30, 2025
1. Project Sierra Wave Marker
Fifty years ago, the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada was the site of intense atmospheric research to explore the cause and dynamics of the newly appreciated and powerful mountain wave phenomenon known locally as the Sierra Wave.
This Landmark honors the pioneering spirit of the members of the two-year Sierra Wave Project: Civilian glider pilots, volunteers, Army, Air Force, Navy personnel and UCLA staff. Their stratospheric flights were conducted under the inspiration and guidance of the Southern California Soaring Association.
Erected 2002 by The National Soaring Museum, and E Clampus Vitus Slim Princess Chapter 395.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Sports. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 37° 22.265′ N, 118° 21.965′ W. Marker is near Bishop, California, in Inyo County. It is on Airport Road 0.7 miles north of East Line Street. Located in front of the airport terminal building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 703 Airport Road, Bishop CA 93514, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fifty Year Soaring Commemorative (a few steps from this marker); Mining & Ranching
this page online
Regarding Project Sierra Wave. The Sierra Wave is a type of air current that forms as winds hit the Sierra Nevada mountains and are forced to rise. It causes water vapor to condense as it cools, and forms lenticular clouds on the leeward side of the mountain range. The rising air is used by glider pilots to gain altitude and extend their flights above the Owens Valley.
A popular Hang Gliding launch site is on the Eastern Sierra at Walts Point on Horseshoe Meadows Road. This is where, on June 19, 2020, a new world record was set for an out-and-back flight in a Hang Glider, to a point 222 miles away.
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2010
2. Project Sierra Wave Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2010
3. Project Sierra Wave Marker
courtesy National Museum of Soaring
4. Lenticular Cloud
The wave cloud in March of 1952 which carried Larry Edgar to his world altitude record of 44,255 feet. The record endured for an incredible 54 years.
courtesy U.S. Navy
5. The Record-Setting Pratt-Read Glider
Shown here at Inyokern Airport. During a later research flight, severe rough air caused the glider to break up at 14,000 feet. Larry Edgar was momentarily knocked out but soon found himself outside the aircraft. He pulled the rip cord and all was well. His comment at the time - "DARN!"
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 824 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 14, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
