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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 Tennessee state boating regulations for Old Hickory Lake (Tennessee).
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 11:42AM CDT until October 11 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Peak Gusts: 11 mph. Light surface ripple; smooth navigation.
Cold Shock Hazard: Life jackets are strongly urged for all vessel occupants across open water.
Ramp Accessibility: Water level referenced at 445 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.
Very Poor / Avoid for boating (30/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: Wind 5 mph from the east. Gusts to 13 mph. Working against it: Active severe alert: Flood Watch. Wind Advisory is in effect for this lake. Boating scores are capped at 30. The forecast mentions thunderstorms, which carries a risk penalty. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 PM | 5 mph | 13 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 8 PM | 5 mph | 13 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 9 PM | 5 mph | 12 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 10 PM | 5 mph | 10 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 11 PM | 5 mph | 9 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 12 AM | 5 mph | 8 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 1 AM | 5 mph | 10 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 2 AM | 5 mph | 13 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Optimal |
| 3 AM | 5 mph | 16 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 4 AM | 5 mph | 18 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Favorable |
| 5 AM | 5 mph | 22 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Moderate |
| 6 AM | 5 mph | 24 mph | E | Calm mirror surface; flat wake navigation | Moderate |
| 7 AM | 10 mph | 28 mph | E | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Caution |
| 8 AM | 10 mph | 30 mph | E | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Caution |
| 9 AM | 10 mph | 32 mph | E | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Caution |
| 10 AM | 15 mph | 35 mph | E | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 11 AM | 15 mph | 36 mph | E | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 12 PM | 15 mph | 37 mph | E | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
Surface chop expands with sustained wind duration across Old Hickory 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 Old Hickory 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.
Very Poor / Avoid for kayaking (30/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: Wind 5 mph from the east. Gusts to 13 mph. Working against it: Active severe alert: Flood Watch. Wind Advisory is in effect for this lake. Kayaking scores are capped at 30. The forecast mentions thunderstorms, which carries a risk penalty. Confidence is high (90%).