Potholes Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Potholes Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Potholes Reservoir today is 15.9°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 17.7°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 17.4°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.8°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 16.5°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 16.6°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 16.4°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 16.8°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.9°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 14.5°C | 15.8°C | |
| OCT 14 | 14.5°C | 15.8°C | |
| OCT 15 | 14.5°C | 15.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 14.5°C | 15.6°C | |
| OCT 17 | 14.5°C | 15.6°C | |
| OCT 18 | 14.5°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 19 | 14.5°C | 15.4°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| April | 3°C | 9°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 15°C | 23°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| July | 19°C | 25°C | 31°C |
| August | 21°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| November | 4°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| December | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Potholes Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Potholes Reservoir: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Lake of the Potholes Reservoir experiences significant seasonal variation in surface water temperature. In winter the surface commonly ranges near 34–45°F (1–7°C), staying cold enough to make casual swimming uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. Spring warming brings surface temperatures up to roughly 45–65°F (7–18°C) as days lengthen and solar heating increases. Peak summer surface temperatures typically reach about 68–82°F (20–28°C) in July and August on warm, calm days, with sheltered shallows warming most quickly. By fall the water cools again to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C). These figures vary with depth, time of day, recent weather, and water releases, so surface readings will often be warmer than deeper water.
Swimming is generally permitted at Potholes Reservoir in designated recreation areas because the reservoir is managed for public recreation, including beaches and boat launches, but there are important caveats. There are few or no lifeguards at many sites, water levels and currents can change with irrigation releases, and submerged hazards and boat traffic create risk, so swimmers should choose marked swimming zones, heed posted advisories about water quality or closures, and exercise caution. Cold or rapidly changing temperatures, especially outside midsummer, increase the risk of hypothermia and water shock even for experienced swimmers.