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WashingtonReservoir, 14,361 acres, Chelan County, Douglas County, Grant County, Kittitas County

Wanapum Lake wind forecast

Wanapum Lake, Washington
Photo: Williamborg 01:57, 28 April 2008 (UTC), Public domain

7-day outlook

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

  1. TodayOct 26

    0-3kt

    SSW, gusts 7

    High 57°F, rain 13%

    Light wind
  2. TueOct 27

    3-8kt

    W, gusts 15

    High 59°F, rain 1%

    Good
  3. WedOct 28

    1-5kt

    WSW, gusts 10

    High 54°F, rain 20%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    0-3kt

    NNE, gusts 8

    High 49°F, rain 34%

    Light wind
  5. FriOct 30

    0-2kt

    ENE, gusts 4

    High 49°F, rain 28%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    1kt

    NNE, gusts 4

    High 50°F, rain 5%

    Light wind
  7. SunNov 1

    1kt

    WNW, gusts 4

    High 50°F, rain 15%

    Light wind

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 Wanapum

Over the next 7 days on Wanapum Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 15 kt. Saturday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 1 kt.

Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Saturday 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.

Wanapum Lake 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.

Wanapum Lake forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Wanapum Lake this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: NNE wind 1 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 50°F. Sunday: WNW wind 1 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 50°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

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

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Tuesday looks best, with W wind around 3 to 8 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 Wanapum 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 Wanapum is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.