diff --git a/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.cpp b/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.cpp
index aa8e0a5854..77d7735cf3 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.cpp
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ void SoaringController::init_thermalling()
     }
 
     // New state vector filter will be reset. Thermal location is placed in front of a/c
-    const float init_xr[4] = {INITIAL_THERMAL_STRENGTH,
+    const float init_xr[4] = {_vario.get_trigger_value(),
                               INITIAL_THERMAL_RADIUS,
                               position.x + thermal_distance_ahead * cosf(_ahrs.yaw),
                               position.y + thermal_distance_ahead * sinf(_ahrs.yaw)};
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.h b/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.h
index 9751c876c3..9a772f6fd6 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Soaring/AP_Soaring.h
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@
 
 #if HAL_SOARING_ENABLED
 
-#define INITIAL_THERMAL_STRENGTH 2.0
 #define INITIAL_THERMAL_RADIUS 80.0
 #define INITIAL_STRENGTH_COVARIANCE 0.0049
 #define INITIAL_RADIUS_COVARIANCE 400.0