Yale Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Yale Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Yale Lake today is 15°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 | 15.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 16.1°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 15.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 15.8°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 15.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.5°C | 14.8°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.5°C | 14.7°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.5°C | 14.6°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.5°C | 14.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.5°C | 14.5°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| February | 0°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| March | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| May | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| June | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| August | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 10°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| December | 0°C | 5°C | 10°C |
Yale Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Yale Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Yale Lake, a reservoir on the Lewis River in southwestern Washington, typically runs cool year-round because of its mountain-fed sources and dam-controlled flows. Seasonal surface temperature ranges commonly fall roughly into these bands: winter water often sits around 36–46°F (2–8°C), spring warms into the mid 40s to low 60s°F (7–16°C) as snowmelt and sun increase surface heating, summer surface temperatures usually peak in the low-to-upper 60s°F (about 15–20°C) though isolated shallow bays can warm a few degrees higher, and fall sees cooling back toward the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C). Deeper areas remain substantially colder than surface readings, and sudden inflows from dam releases can create abrupt local temperature drops.
Swimming and other recreational water activities are generally permitted at Yale Lake in many access areas, but conditions make it less hospitable than warmer inland lakes. The cooler temperatures limit comfortable long-duration swimming and increase risk of cold-water shock or hypothermia; there are also hazards tied to fluctuating reservoir levels, submerged timber, boat traffic and proximity to the dam where currents and releases are dangerous. Visitors should heed posted rules and warnings, wear personal flotation devices when appropriate, and choose sheltered, daylight hours for brief swims rather than long exposure in cold water.