Billy Hill
Peak · 6,702 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Billy Hill is a 6,702-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra. Its east-facing slopes catch morning light and sit sheltered from the lake's dominant afternoon wind.
Wind accelerates off the lake by mid-afternoon, pinning the peak to a brief calm window before noon. Exposure at 6,700 feet means temperature swings are sharp and wind gusts can exceed 20 mph without warning. Morning departures lock in stability; lingering past early afternoon invites sustained pressure.
The 30-day average wind of 8 mph masks afternoon acceleration; peak gusts reach 20 mph. The rolling 30-day score averages 43, with swings from 5 to 65. Temperatures hold near 41 degrees on average. Expect light crowding, typically 2 persons per observation window. The week ahead mirrors the month's pattern: calm mornings, deteriorating conditions by afternoon.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Billy Hill
Billy Hill sits in the high Sierra northeast of Lake Tahoe, accessible via Highway 89 from the Incline Village corridor or Highway 50 from the west side. The peak stands at 6,702 feet on a ridgeline between Marlette Lake drainage to the north and the open alpine terrain facing Tahoe proper. Access is a short scramble from established trailheads; parking fills quickly on weekends but turns over rapidly. The elevation and east-facing aspect make it a natural morning destination for backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and peak baggers seeking quick elevation gain without extensive approach.
Spring and early summer conditions at Billy Hill track the Sierra snowpack collapse and the transition from winter avalanche hazard to dry-slope accessibility. The rolling 30-day average temperature of 41 degrees masks cold nights and warm afternoons; at 6,700 feet, freezing levels oscillate through April and May. Wind averages 8 mph but funnels off the lake by mid-afternoon, peaking at 20 mph regularly. Late-season snow often sits wind-scoured on ridge faces; consolidated corn on east aspects transforms rapidly under afternoon sun. Crowding remains sparse, averaging 2 per observation window; the peak lacks the draw of higher Tahoe ridges and sees traffic primarily on clear weekends.
Billy Hill suits experienced mountaineers and backcountry skiers familiar with avalanche terrain assessment. The SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) zone applies here; slopes facing north and west hold instability longer into spring. Visitors should carry rescue tools, check the SAC forecast before departure, and recognize that snow stability at 6,700 feet depends heavily on recent wind loading and solar input. Dry-season traffic (late June through September) is minimal; the peak sits low enough that afternoon thunderstorms develop regularly in summer months. Parking at nearby trailheads can exceed 20 vehicles on holiday weekends, forcing roadside overflow.
Nearby Marlette Lake and the higher ridges along the Tahoe Rim offer natural pairing destinations. Marlette sits lower and warmer, providing an easier fallback if Billy Hill conditions deteriorate. The exposed granite and sparse vegetation make Billy Hill windier than sheltered valley approaches but calmer than open lake-facing crests to the north. November through March, Billy Hill holds snow longer than the Incline Village area but may accumulate wind slab faster due to its exposed position. Experienced parties often use it as a reconnaissance objective before committing to higher peaks.