AlaskaNatural lake, 1,005 acres, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Nelson Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
MonOct 26
2-6kt
SSW, gusts 17
High 34°F, rain 91%
Use caution -
TueOct 27
3-4kt
SW, gusts 8
High 35°F, rain 17%
Light wind -
WedOct 28
2-4kt
NE, gusts 9
High 31°F, rain 13%
Light wind -
ThuOct 29
1-4kt
N, gusts 7
High 32°F, rain 44%
Light wind -
FriOct 30
1-2kt
NE, gusts 6
High 32°F, rain 86%
Stay ashore -
SatOct 31
0-2kt
WSW, gusts 4
High 32°F, rain 31%
Light wind -
SunNov 1
0-1kt
W, gusts 3
High 27°F, rain 26%
Light wind
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Nelson
Over the next 7 days on Nelson Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 17 kt. Sunday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 1 kt.
Tuesday is the pick for sailing, and Wednesday looks best for kayaks and paddleboards. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons, so check the hourly strip for the exact window.
Reading a lake wind forecast
Sustained wind is the average over a couple of minutes; gusts are the short peaks. On inland water the gap between the two matters as much as the average. A steady 12 kt is a pleasant sail, while 8 kt gusting 20 kt knocks small boats flat and tires out paddlers.
On a lake the size of Nelson, waves stay modest, but nearby hills, trees and buildings bend the wind. Expect shifts and puffs, especially close to shore, and treat the forecast speed as an average across open water.
The National Weather Service forecast covers a 2.5 km grid, so local effects like a sea breeze off a big lake, a cold front or afternoon thunderstorms can arrive earlier or stronger than shown. Check the forecast again on the morning you go, and keep an eye on small craft advisories.
Nelson Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Nelson Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 25: Saturday: WSW wind 0 to 2 kt, gusts to 4 kt, high near 32°F. Sunday: W wind 0 to 1 kt, gusts to 3 kt, high near 27°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Nelson Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 25, Tuesday looks best, with SW wind around 3 to 4 kt and gusts near 8 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Nelson Lake wind forecast come from?
From the National Weather Service gridded forecast for the 2.5 km cell over the lake. It is the same forecast local NWS offices use, updated several times a day. We convert wind to knots and add our own go or no-go call for each activity.
What wind is too strong for a kayak or paddleboard?
We flag paddling as risky once sustained wind passes about 8 kt or gusts pass 12 kt, and advise staying ashore above 12 kt sustained or 18 kt gusts. Offshore wind is the most dangerous because it pushes you away from the launch.
Nearby lakes
If Nelson is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.