Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 6; Flight Crew Total 2450; Flight Crew Type 120
Other / Unknown
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather
I was enroute from HEC VOR to PGA VOR. While enroute I was over broken to scattered clouds several thousand feet below me. As I proceeded; the clouds became overcast still below me. My weather program showed a narrow band of clouds in my path about 30 miles west of PGA with tops less than 17;500 FT; which I was flying. As I approached the clouds; they were rising and higher than 17;500 FT. I could have reversed course but since they were rising I would still have to climb above 18;000 FT. I climbed to 19;000 FT and within 5 minutes was able to descend clear of clouds. Lesson learned: file IFR if there is weather that could possibly be worse than forecast.
General aviation pilot anticipates being able to clear clouds at his cruise altitude of 17;500 FT according to his on board weather program; but finds the tops to be higher. Reporter elects to climb to 19;000 FT until clear of clouds and continues to destination.