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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 Gibson Reservoir (Montana).
Winter Storm Warning issued October 9 at 11:29AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Peak Gusts: 37 mph. Moderate surface chop across main fetch.
Cold Shock Hazard: Life jackets are strongly urged for all vessel occupants across open water.
Ramp Accessibility: Local elevation datum referenced for safe boating operations on Gibson Reservoir.
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.
Very Poor / Avoid for boating (22/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: 0% chance of precipitation. Working against it: Gusts to 48 mph. Wind 30 mph from the west. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 PM | 30 mph | 48 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 4 PM | 30 mph | 48 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 5 PM | 29 mph | 43 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 6 PM | 28 mph | 40 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 7 PM | 26 mph | 39 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 8 PM | 24 mph | 39 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 9 PM | 22 mph | 37 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 10 PM | 21 mph | 35 mph | W | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 11 PM | 20 mph | 32 mph | W | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 12 AM | 17 mph | 27 mph | W | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Moderate |
| 1 AM | 14 mph | 22 mph | W | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Moderate |
| 2 AM | 10 mph | 16 mph | W | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 3 AM | 8 mph | 13 mph | W | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Optimal |
| 4 AM | 6 mph | 10 mph | W | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Optimal |
| 5 AM | 5 mph | 9 mph | NW | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 6 AM | 5 mph | 8 mph | NW | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 7 AM | 6 mph | 8 mph | NW | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Optimal |
| 8 AM | 7 mph | 10 mph | N | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Optimal |
Surface chop expands with sustained wind duration across Gibson Reservoir'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 Gibson Reservoir. 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.
Very Poor / Avoid for kayaking (25/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: 0% chance of precipitation. Air temperature 69°F. Working against it: Gusts to 48 mph. Wind 30 mph from the west. Confidence is high (90%).