Tinemaha Lake
Lake · Eastern Sierra corridor
Tinemaha Lake sits at 11,437 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high alpine reservoir fed by snowmelt and exposed to afternoon wind funnels off the ridge.
Wind dominates the afternoon pattern; the 30-day average is 14 mph, but gusts regularly exceed 30 mph by mid-day. Mornings are markedly calmer. Temperature swings from freezing overnight to mild in direct sun. The lake's exposure makes it less forgiving than sheltered coves to the west.
Over the last 30 days, Tinemaha averaged a NoGo Score of 14.0 with a 30-day average wind of 14 mph and temperatures holding at 21 degrees F. Wind has spiked to 45 mph multiple times. The week ahead will track typical spring conditions: light winds early, stronger gusts by afternoon. Plan accordingly if you're paddling or fishing.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Tinemaha Lake
Tinemaha Lake occupies a high-Sierra basin at 11,437 feet in the Eastern Sierra corridor, accessible via Highway 395 north of Bishop. The lake is a Bureau of Land Management reservoir fed by Tinemaha Creek, a snow-fed drainage off the White Mountains. The nearest town with services is Bishop, roughly 30 miles south. The primary approach is via local forest roads branching east from Highway 395; check BLM road conditions before driving, as high-elevation access can be snow-locked into late spring. Base popularity is low relative to nearby Crowley Lake and the Mammoth area, making it quieter for fishing and camping.
Spring and early summer bring wind averages of 14 mph with gusts to 45 mph, typical for exposed alpine reservoirs above 11,000 feet. The 30-day rolling average temperature stands at 21 degrees F, swinging between overnight freezes and daytime highs in the 40s. Crowding averages 3 on a 10-point scale, reflecting limited facilities and rough access. By mid-summer, temperature climbs but wind remains relentless; autumn brings calmer mornings but shorter days. Winter snowpack typically closes high roads by November, making access a three to four month window.
Tinemaha suits anglers targeting native trout and paddlers seeking isolation over scenic splendor. Expect no on-site facilities, no rentals, and minimal cell coverage. Arrive by mid-morning if you plan a full day; afternoon wind is predictable enough to plan around. Parking is informal and limited. Bring layers and shelter; the 45 mph wind maxima reflect sustained gusts capable of pinning small boats or overturning high-profile vehicles. The low base popularity means weekday mornings offer genuine solitude, a rarity in the Sierra.
Tinemaha sits directly in the rain shadow of the Sierra crest, receiving a fraction of the precipitation that falls on west-slope drainages. This dryness keeps the lake navigable longer into fall than western reservoirs, though afternoon wind chop can be severe. Visitors seeking calmer water with easier access should consider Crowley Lake to the north, which offers marina services and more protected coves. Those committed to high-alpine solitude and willing to work for it will find Tinemaha's exposure and low crowds a genuine edge over more famous Eastern Sierra venues.