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CaliforniaReservoir, 965 acres, San Diego County

El Capitan Reservoir wind forecast

El Capitan Reservoir, California
Photo: NNRamirez, Public domain

7-day outlook

Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.

  1. TodayOct 26

    1-9kt

    WNW, gusts 16

    High 80°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    1-7kt

    W, gusts 13

    High 77°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    2-6kt

    WSW, gusts 12

    High 73°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    3-7kt

    WSW, gusts 15

    High 71°F, rain 6%

    Good
  5. FriOct 30

    4-8kt

    WSW, gusts 19

    High 68°F, rain 36%

    Use caution
  6. SatOct 31

    4-7kt

    SW, gusts 17

    High 66°F, rain 26%

    Use caution
  7. SunNov 1

    5-8kt

    WSW, gusts 21

    High 65°F, rain 74%

    Use caution

Hour by hour, next 3 days

Wind and gusts0 to 30+ ktScoreGood, caution, stay ashoreNightBest windowArrows point where the wind blows to.

This week on El Capitan

Over the next 7 days on El Capitan Reservoir, the windiest stretch looks like Sunday, with gusts to about 21 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 6 kt.

Thursday is the pick for sailing, and Wednesday 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.

On a lake the size of El Capitan, waves stay modest, but nearby hills, trees and buildings bend the wind. Expect shifts and puffs, especially close to shore, and treat the forecast speed as an average across open water.

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.

El Capitan Reservoir forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for El Capitan Reservoir this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SW wind 4 to 7 kt, gusts to 17 kt, high near 66°F. Sunday: WSW wind 5 to 8 kt, gusts to 21 kt, high near 65°F, 74% chance of rain. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on El Capitan Reservoir this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Thursday looks best, with WSW wind around 3 to 7 kt and gusts near 15 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the El Capitan 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 El Capitan is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.