7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
6-15kt
S, gusts 25
High 59°F, rain 67%
Use caution -
TueOct 27
4-18kt
SW, gusts 23
High 52°F, rain 4%
Use caution -
WedOct 28
2-9kt
SW, gusts 11
High 53°F, rain 0%
Good -
ThuOct 29
3-6kt
ENE, gusts 10
High 57°F, rain 3%
Good -
FriOct 30
3-6kt
SSE, gusts 11
High 54°F, rain 35%
Use caution -
SatOct 31
3-4kt
SE, gusts 9
High 52°F, rain 51%
Light wind -
SunNov 1
5-7kt
WSW, gusts 15
High 50°F, rain 42%
Good
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on American Falls
Over the next 7 days on American Falls Reservoir, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 25 kt. Saturday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.
Wednesday is the pick for sailing, and Thursday looks best for kayaks and paddleboards. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons, so check the hourly strip for the exact window.
Reading a lake wind forecast
Sustained wind is the average over a couple of minutes; gusts are the short peaks. On inland water the gap between the two matters as much as the average. A steady 12 kt is a pleasant sail, while 8 kt gusting 20 kt knocks small boats flat and tires out paddlers.
American Falls Reservoir is large enough for wind to build real waves. When the forecast direction lines up with the long open stretches of the lake, expect bigger chop than the wind speed alone suggests, and plan routes that keep you near a sheltered shore on the way back.
The National Weather Service forecast covers a 2.5 km grid, so local effects like a sea breeze off a big lake, a cold front or afternoon thunderstorms can arrive earlier or stronger than shown. Check the forecast again on the morning you go, and keep an eye on small craft advisories.
American Falls Reservoir forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for American Falls Reservoir this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SE wind 3 to 4 kt, gusts to 9 kt, high near 52°F, 51% chance of rain. Sunday: WSW wind 5 to 7 kt, gusts to 15 kt, high near 50°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on American Falls Reservoir this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Wednesday looks best, with SW wind around 2 to 9 kt and gusts near 11 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the American Falls Reservoir wind forecast come from?
From the National Weather Service gridded forecast for the 2.5 km cell over the lake. It is the same forecast local NWS offices use, updated several times a day. We convert wind to knots and add our own go or no-go call for each activity.
What wind is too strong for a kayak or paddleboard?
We flag paddling as risky once sustained wind passes about 8 kt or gusts pass 12 kt, and advise staying ashore above 12 kt sustained or 18 kt gusts. Offshore wind is the most dangerous because it pushes you away from the launch.
Nearby lakes
If American Falls is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.