AlaskaNatural lake, 3,657 acres, Copper River Census Area
Tonsina Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
MonOct 26
0-7kt
S, gusts 12
High 38°F, rain 34%
Use caution -
TueOct 27
1-2kt
SW, gusts 2
High 32°F, rain 1%
Light wind -
WedOct 28
3-9kt
S, gusts 13
High 40°F, rain 3%
Good -
ThuOct 29
5-10kt
S, gusts 18
High 40°F, rain 57%
Good -
FriOct 30
13-15kt
SSE, gusts 26
High 41°F, rain 94%
Stay ashore -
SatOct 31
4-6kt
S, gusts 12
High 37°F, rain 74%
Use caution -
SunNov 1
0-1kt
S, gusts 5
High 34°F, rain 61%
Light wind
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Tonsina
Over the next 7 days on Tonsina Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Friday, with gusts to about 26 kt. Sunday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 1 kt.
Wednesday is the pick for sailing, and Tuesday 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 Tonsina, 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.
Tonsina Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Tonsina Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 25: Saturday: S wind 4 to 6 kt, gusts to 12 kt, high near 37°F, 74% chance of rain. Sunday: S wind 0 to 1 kt, gusts to 5 kt, high near 34°F, 61% chance of rain. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Tonsina Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 25, Wednesday looks best, with S wind around 3 to 9 kt and gusts near 13 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Tonsina 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 Tonsina is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.