Wet and windy weekend weather interrupted the 2013 Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival at Yuma’s West Wetlands Park. Sunday morning most balloons launched, but wind and rain on kept most balloons on the ground on Saturday’s event opener and on a Friday test run.
Only 5 balloons launched Saturday morning, as many pilots were wary to lay their balloons on the wet, muddy ground.
Matthew Paulin, a Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot from Yuma, says it’s up to each pilot to judge whether to launch. Paulin says ballooning is a fair weather sport.
"The wind is what we use to steer; if we can't steer, we can't go where we want. So, wind is a huge factor in navigation of hot air balloons, as well as a safety factor. Any time the winds get above 10 miles an hour most events close the event just due to safety. You always have to weigh the risk and reward. Unfortunately, sometimes the risk just isn't worth it."
By Sunday, the weather calmed and most balloons launched in more favorable conditions.