Years ago there used to be a website that would provide a thermal
index for the day, by typing in info for an individual's area. I can
no longer find it.
I've recently been reading my old soaring magazines from the '80's and
saw an article by Senn on the SOAR thermal forcast program.
Are either of these still in use?

I have not been flying sailplanes for the last decade but I have been
flying R/C gliders. It would be great if I could determine what level
of lift I could expect for any flying day. Most of my flying is done
below 600 feet from a small local park. I realize that the ROAB
balloon soundings are only done for altitudes in 1000' increments so
they might not work for those of us who fly close to the ground. What
would be involved in getting my own sounding? I'm thinking of using
an electric powered plane in place of a balloon. Is there a small
device that would record the soundings?

thanks,
John