In a west wind, certain local slopes at CRYSTAL offer 'orographic' lift that is predictable and consistent.
At lower altitude, the west end of Pinyon Ridge can be good, especially for triggering thermals.
Then, as the wind flows along both sides of that ridge, parallel with it, converging flow can be found directly atop the ridge, beginning about 500 feet higher than the crest - often with 2 or 3 strong thermals embedded.
Also, at the east end, just above the work camp, Fenner Canyon acts as a funnel, collecting wind & focusing it up toward the end of Blue Ridge.
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The more spectacular stuff usually occurs higher up, south of Mt. Lewis, along the west-facing ridge that runs up to Throop Peak. This lift can be treacherous low and near the ridge, because you're downwind of Mt. Williamson. However, when the westerly wind is strong, wave almost always lies directly above the rising slope.
