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MichiganReservoir, 1,080 acres, Manistee County

Tippy Dam wind forecast

Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset

7-day outlook

Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.

  1. TodayOct 26

    2-5kt

    NNE, gusts 13

    High 56°F, rain 5%

    Use caution
  2. TueOct 27

    2-6kt

    SE, gusts 16

    High 60°F, rain 0%

    Use caution
  3. WedOct 28

    3-6kt

    S, gusts 14

    High 70°F, rain 1%

    Use caution
  4. ThuOct 29

    2-6kt

    SW, gusts 15

    High 64°F, storms possible

    Stay ashore
  5. FriOct 30

    0-4kt

    NW, gusts 10

    High 65°F, rain 15%

    Light wind
  6. SatOct 31

    2-5kt

    SSE, gusts 13

    High 64°F, rain 29%

    Use caution
  7. SunNov 1

    1-4kt

    SSW, gusts 11

    High 65°F, rain 39%

    Light wind

Hour by hour, next 3 days

Wind and gusts0 to 30+ ktScoreGood, caution, stay ashoreNightBest windowArrows point where the wind blows to.

This week on Tippy Dam

Over the next 7 days on Tippy Dam, the windiest stretch looks like Tuesday, with gusts to about 16 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 4 kt.

Wednesday is the pick for sailing, and Friday looks best for kayaks and paddleboards. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons, so check the hourly strip for the exact window.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Thursday. Plan to be off the water before the first rumble; lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.

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 Tippy Dam, 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.

Tippy Dam forecast questions

What is the wind forecast for Tippy Dam this weekend?

In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: SSE wind 2 to 5 kt, gusts to 13 kt, high near 64°F. Sunday: SSW wind 1 to 4 kt, gusts to 11 kt, high near 65°F. The live cards above always show the latest update.

When is the best day to sail on Tippy Dam this week?

Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Wednesday looks best, with S wind around 3 to 6 kt and gusts near 14 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.

Where does the Tippy Dam 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 Tippy Dam is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.