AlaskaNatural lake, 2,161 acres, Valdez–Cordova Census Area
Van Cleve Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
MonOct 26
2-9kt
NNE, gusts 17
High 39°F, rain 62%
Use caution -
TueOct 27
7-11kt
NNE, gusts 15
High 37°F, rain 0%
Good -
WedOct 28
1-4kt
ENE, gusts 6
High 42°F, rain 0%
Light wind -
ThuOct 29
2-4kt
E, gusts 8
High 40°F, rain 49%
Light wind -
FriOct 30
9-16kt
SE, gusts 27
High 42°F, rain 93%
Stay ashore -
SatOct 31
5-7kt
SE, gusts 13
High 39°F, rain 89%
Good -
SunNov 1
3-5kt
E, gusts 10
High 37°F, rain 80%
Use caution
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Van Cleve
Over the next 7 days on Van Cleve Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Friday, with gusts to about 27 kt. Wednesday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 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 Van Cleve, 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.
Van Cleve Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Van Cleve Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 25: Saturday: SE wind 5 to 7 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 39°F, 89% chance of rain. Sunday: E wind 3 to 5 kt, gusts to 10 kt, high near 37°F, 80% chance of rain. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Van Cleve Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 25, Tuesday looks best, with NNE wind around 7 to 11 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 Van Cleve 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 Van Cleve is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.