English: The weather pattern for the "Albuquerque Box" effect when conditions are optimal, determined by the Dawn Patrol.

This image shows the optimal track the balloons follow. In some instances, balloons were able to land and depart again on the same day (a rare occurrence for ballooning). In More recent years, the box effect has been less prominent, with winds being all north or south. Due to FAA restrictions when flying south , balloons must land before I-40 (most likely in homeowners yards or parking lots) or continue flying to the Albuquerque International Sunport. they cannot fly south of the airport due to the Isleta Reservation. When flying north or flying south landing before the park, Corrales provides excellent landing spots due to the few houses and large yards. landing in Rio Rancho is harder however due to the rapid housing expansion and the city lies on a mesa, higher than the park. Balloonists cannot fly towards the mountains due to the Sandia Reservation.

Watching clouds roll into Albuquerque throughout the year also show the box effect. Clouds move in at a lower altitude, then get pushed up and over itself due to the Sandia Mountains.