Priest Rapids Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Priest Rapids Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Priest Rapids Lake today is 10.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 26 | 12.8°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 12.8°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 12.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 12.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 11.8°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 11.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 11.5°C | 9.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 10.1°C | 9.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 9.0°C | 10.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 9.0°C | 10.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 9.0°C | 9.9°C | |
| NOV 6 | 9.0°C | 9.9°C | |
| NOV 7 | 9.0°C | 9.8°C | |
| NOV 8 | 9.0°C | 9.8°C | |
| NOV 9 | 9.0°C | 9.7°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 | 2°C | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| April | 3°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 15°C | 24°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| July | 19°C | 25°C | 31°C |
| August | 21°C | 26°C | 31°C |
| September | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 8°C |
Priest Rapids Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Priest Rapids Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
Location & Local Information
Priest Rapids Lake, a reservoir on the Columbia River in central Washington, experiences marked seasonal variation in surface water temperature. In winter months surface values commonly sit around 35–45°F (2–7°C), while spring warms to roughly 45–60°F (7–16°C). Peak summer surface temperatures often reach about 65–78°F (18–26°C) in sheltered, shallow areas, and by fall the surface cools back to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C). These figures refer to surface conditions; deeper water and areas influenced by dam releases can remain substantially colder year-round because of stratification and cold water drawn from lower reservoir levels.
Swimming is generally permitted in designated recreation areas along the reservoir and at nearby state and local parks, but caution is advised. Cold water, sudden drop-offs, boat traffic, submerged hazards and changing currents around the dam and navigation channels create safety risks, and some sites lack lifeguards. Because temperature can be deceptively low below the surface, even summer swimming carries a risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia in prolonged exposure. Visitors should choose marked swimming beaches, obey posted restrictions, check local conditions, and use flotation devices when appropriate.