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Real-time wind speeds, peak gusts, and surface chop forecasts from NOAA National Weather Service, verified public boat launches, USGS surface water telemetry, and Montana state boating regulations for Bighorn Lake (Montana).
Peak Gusts: 8 mph. Moderate surface chop across main fetch.
Cold Shock Hazard: Life jackets are strongly urged for all vessel occupants across open water.
Ramp Accessibility: Water level referenced at 3,640 ft MSL for launch ramp clearance across public access points.
Advisory Threshold: Official Lake Wind Advisories trigger when sustained winds reach 15 mph or waves exceed 3 ft.
Current index calculated from verified local atmospheric, hydrographic & alert inputs.
Fair for boating (71/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: No active official alerts for this lake. Wind 13 mph from the north-northeast. Working against it: 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Not available from a verified source for this lake: visibility and conditions, verified water access. Confidence is moderate (84%) because some inputs are unavailable or older than ideal.
| Forecast Time | Wind (mph) | Gust (mph) | Direction | Surface Chop & Fetch | Watercraft Readiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | 13 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 1 AM | 13 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 2 AM | 14 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 3 AM | 14 mph | 20 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 4 AM | 14 mph | 20 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 5 AM | 15 mph | 21 mph | NE | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Moderate |
| 6 AM | 15 mph | 21 mph | NE | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Moderate |
| 7 AM | 15 mph | 21 mph | NE | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Moderate |
| 8 AM | 14 mph | 20 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 9 AM | 14 mph | 20 mph | E | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 10 AM | 13 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 11 AM | 13 mph | 17 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 12 PM | 13 mph | 17 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 1 PM | 13 mph | 17 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 2 PM | 13 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 3 PM | 13 mph | 18 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 4 PM | 13 mph | 20 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 5 PM | 14 mph | 21 mph | NE | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
Surface chop expands with sustained wind duration across Bighorn Lake's open water fetch. Early morning hours typically offer the calmest navigation before thermal afternoon winds develop.
Individual boat ramp GPS coordinates are currently being cataloged for Bighorn Lake. Public launches are managed by state, county, or local park authorities.
Ramp operational status and courtesy dock availability are subject to seasonal water level shifts and lake management authority guidelines.
Current index calculated from verified local atmospheric, hydrographic & alert inputs.
Fair for kayaking (70/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: No active official alerts for this lake. Wind 13 mph from the north-northeast. Working against it: 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Confidence is high (90%).