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lakeglance

CaliforniaNatural lake, 690 acres, Nevada County

Independence Lake wind forecast

Independence Lake, California
Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife from Sacramento, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    19-28kt

    SW, gusts 42

    High 43°F, rain 7%

    Stay ashore
  2. TueOct 27

    11-12kt

    SW, gusts 18

    High 45°F, rain 0%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    5-6kt

    SW, gusts 9

    High 49°F, rain 0%

    Good
  4. ThuOct 29

    7-14kt

    SW, gusts 21

    High 44°F, rain 2%

    Use caution
  5. FriOct 30

    6-8kt

    SSW, gusts 23

    High 40°F, rain 11%

    Use caution
  6. SatOct 31

    3-7kt

    SSW, gusts 19

    High 36°F, rain 46%

    Use caution
  7. SunNov 1

    3-5kt

    ENE, gusts 13

    High 37°F, rain 30%

    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 Independence

Over the next 7 days on Independence Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 42 kt. Sunday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 5 kt.

Tuesday 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 Independence, 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.

Independence Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Independence Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SSW wind 3 to 7 kt, gusts to 19 kt, high near 36°F. Sunday: ENE wind 3 to 5 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 37°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on Independence Lake this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with SW wind around 11 to 12 kt and gusts near 18 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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