Boeing 737-700 (N7711N)

This was an intense and hazardous day for pilots trying to land at KRNO. The winds were swirling and blowing so unpredictably that the runways used for landing had just been changed from 16R & 16L to 34L & 34R. Two Southwest arrivals landed on 34L, this one being the second one, but both pilots reported dramatic gains and losses and wind sheer alerts while on s/final. Immediately after this flight completed a rocky 9 AM touchdown on 34L, the runways were again switched back to 16R & 16L; however, when the next two arrivals broke off their approaches and went around before finally managing to land, the runways were swapped yet again. But it was no use. Over the course of the next two hours, six inbound paxbirds and three inbound GA aircraft elected to divert to KSMF after making multiple attempts to land. Two United and two SW flights WERE able to land, each on their second attempts, and three USMC F/A-18s had no trouble sweeping around and touching down on their first tries. The winds remained treacherous into the noon hour and after an AA MD, a Volaris Airbus, and an Eastern Boeing all broke off their approaches from the south, the runways were switched for the fifth time and all three commercial flights were finally able to land on 16R. The winds remained strong for the rest of the day, but no more aircraft were forced to divert.

Beautiful mountains!

Sure are. Make a great backdrop.