Are Lenticular Clouds Dangerous?

Lenticular clouds indicate great instability in that layer of the atmosphere, and form in areas of mountain waves. ... Like ocean waves, these waves of air bouncing over the mountains are anything but stable. It makes sense that it would be a "rough ride".

Do lenticular clouds cause turbulence?

For the first wave, which is over the mountain, the lenticular cloud is often called a cap cloud, because it is like a hat or cap on the mountain. ... But if conditions are right, these waves can cause severe mountain wave turbulence, from the earth's surface all the way up into the stratosphere.

Why do pilots avoid lenticular clouds?

As the air descends on the downwind side, it warms and the cloud evaporates. ... Pilots of large aircraft attempt to avoid lenticular clouds, because of the threat posed by the extremely powerful rotor forces that fashion their distinctive shape.