Black Lake
Lake · 10,623 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Black Lake sits at 10,623 feet in the Eastern Sierra's high country, a glacially-carved basin vulnerable to afternoon wind funneling off the surrounding ridges.
Wind accelerates from calm early mornings to sustained afternoon gusts, typically driven by pressure differentials between the Sierra crest and the Owens Valley. Sheltered anchorages lie on the north and west shores. Water temperature remains near freezing through summer. Expect afternoon conditions 50% worse than morning.
The 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks daily swings from near-zero at dawn to gusts over 40 mph in the afternoon. Temperature hovers around 19 degrees Fahrenheit on average, with extremes from 5 to 32 degrees across the year. Crowding remains light at a rolling 3-person average. Monitor the week ahead for wind peaks and thaw-driven snowpack changes on approach trails.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Black Lake
Black Lake occupies a glacially-scoured basin in the Eastern Sierra corridor, approximately 10 miles northeast of the town of Bishop via Highway 395 and Forest Service roads. The lake sits at 10,623 feet elevation on the north side of the Sierra crest divide. Access is via rough jeep roads or hiking routes from the Inyo National Forest; most visitors approach from the Bishop area, with total drive time roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Highway 395. The lake drains north toward the Owens River system. Winter access requires high-clearance or snow-capable vehicles; summer routes become passable as snowpack retreats, typically late June onward.
Black Lake's weather character is dominated by the collision of moisture-laden air from the Sierra crest and dry continental air from the Owens Valley floor. The 30-day average wind velocity of 12 mph climbs dramatically in afternoon hours, with recorded gusts to 41 mph. Morning conditions are typically calm; wind onset correlates with solar heating around mid-morning and peaks between 2 and 5 p.m. Average temperature of 19 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the basin's high elevation and seasonal snow cover. Crowding averages only 3 persons, making Black Lake a low-traffic destination compared to accessible Highway 120 or 395 corridors. Snowpack lingers through June; early-season visitors must assess avalanche hazard on approach gullies, particularly north-facing terrain where slabs develop on sun-crust bonds.
Black Lake suits backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and high-alpine campers willing to accept rough access and sustained afternoon wind. Paddlers and swimmers are limited by brief ice-free windows; summer surface water is rare before July. The lake is best visited on calm mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday when regional pressure systems are most stable. Experienced parties plan for wind by either departing before noon or occupying sheltered coves on the northwest quadrant of the shore. Parking is dispersed and unmanaged; expect to navigate Forest Service roads in loose rubble or snow depending on season. Water is drawn from the glacial melt and carries high sediment load and cold enough to cause hypothermia in minutes.
Nearby alternatives include Sierra lakes just south and west on the Inyo drainage: Bishop Lake, South Lake, and the Sabrina drainage near Big Pine offer similar elevation and exposure but shorter approach distances from Highway 395. Inyo County's lower-elevation reservoirs (Lake Crowley, Pleasant Valley) provide wind-protected paddling but lack alpine character. Visitors comparing High Sierra basins should note that Black Lake's avalanche terrain requires active transceiver, probe, and shovel discipline in spring; its remoteness and lack of formal trail infrastructure mean self-rescue is the only option. Winter approach should only be attempted by parties competent in snow travel and avalanche assessment.