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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 Arizona state boating regulations for Rainbow Lake (Arizona).
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 11:08AM MST until October 11 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
Peak Gusts: 28 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 Rainbow Lake.
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 9 mph from the south. Working against it: Active moderate alert: Wind Advisory. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 PM | 9 mph | 18 mph | S | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 10 PM | 9 mph | 16 mph | S | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 11 PM | 9 mph | 18 mph | S | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 12 AM | 9 mph | 16 mph | S | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 1 AM | 9 mph | 18 mph | S | Light surface ripple; gentle boat glide | Favorable |
| 2 AM | 12 mph | 21 mph | S | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 3 AM | 12 mph | 21 mph | S | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Favorable |
| 4 AM | 14 mph | 24 mph | S | Moderate chop (1–2 ft waves); steady navigation | Moderate |
| 5 AM | 17 mph | 29 mph | S | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 6 AM | 17 mph | 31 mph | S | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 7 AM | 18 mph | 32 mph | S | Heavy wind chop (2–4 ft waves); small craft caution | Caution |
| 8 AM | 21 mph | 36 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 9 AM | 24 mph | 38 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 10 AM | 25 mph | 40 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 11 AM | 28 mph | 44 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 12 PM | 28 mph | 45 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 1 PM | 28 mph | 44 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
| 2 PM | 26 mph | 43 mph | S | Hazardous whitecaps (4–6+ ft waves); NWS advisory conditions | Caution |
Surface chop expands with sustained wind duration across Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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 9 mph from the south. Air temperature 58°F. Working against it: Active moderate alert: Wind Advisory. 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%).