Loading page content…
Loading page content…
Loading lake conditions…
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 Lake McDonald (Montana).
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 11:42AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
Peak Gusts: 22 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 Lake McDonald.
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 (70/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: Wind 6 mph from the northeast. Gusts to 17 mph. Working against it: Active moderate alert: Winter Weather Advisory. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 PM | 6 mph | 17 mph | NE | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 2 PM | 6 mph | 17 mph | NE | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 3 PM | 5 mph | 15 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 4 PM | 5 mph | 15 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 5 PM | 5 mph | 15 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 6 PM | 5 mph | 15 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 7 PM | 3 mph | 14 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 8 PM | 3 mph | 10 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 9 PM | 3 mph | 9 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 10 PM | 5 mph | 8 mph | NE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 11 PM | 6 mph | 9 mph | NE | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Optimal |
| 12 AM | 5 mph | 8 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 1 AM | 3 mph | 7 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 2 AM | 2 mph | 6 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 3 AM | 2 mph | 5 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 4 AM | 2 mph | 6 mph | SE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 5 AM | 1 mph | 4 mph | SE | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 6 AM | 0 mph | 2 mph | — | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
Surface chop expands with sustained wind duration across Lake McDonald'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 Lake McDonald. 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: Wind 6 mph from the northeast. Gusts to 17 mph. Working against it: Active moderate alert: Winter Weather Advisory. Air temperature 36°F. Confidence is high (90%).