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South DakotaReservoir, 3,801 acres, Perkins County

Shadehill Reservoir wind forecast

Shadehill Reservoir, South Dakota
Photo: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation photographer, Public domain

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    8-11kt

    E, gusts 20

    High 40°F, rain 74%

    Good
  2. TueOct 27

    4-17kt

    S, gusts 25

    High 55°F, rain 9%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    0-6kt

    WNW, gusts 16

    High 60°F, rain 1%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    1-6kt

    ENE, gusts 16

    High 58°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  5. FriOct 30

    7-12kt

    ESE, gusts 22

    High 53°F, rain 18%

    Use caution
  6. SatOct 31

    3-7kt

    NNW, gusts 17

    High 55°F, rain 33%

    Use caution
  7. SunNov 1

    4-10kt

    ESE, gusts 20

    High 57°F, rain 25%

    Good

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 Shadehill

Over the next 7 days on Shadehill Reservoir, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 25 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 6 kt.

Monday 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 Shadehill, 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.

Shadehill Reservoir forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Shadehill Reservoir this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: NNW wind 3 to 7 kt, gusts to 17 kt, high near 55°F. Sunday: ESE wind 4 to 10 kt, gusts to 20 kt, high near 57°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with E wind around 8 to 11 kt and gusts near 20 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

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