Lake Audrian
Lake · Lake Tahoe corridor
Lake Audrian sits at 7,215 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra, a small alpine lake with consistent wind patterns and moderate crowds. Access via Highway 89.
Morning calm gives way to afternoon wind funneling off the lake by midday. The 30-day average wind of 8 mph climbs to 20 mph gusts in afternoon hours. Water temperature hovers near 39 degrees Fahrenheit; expect cold immersion. Wind and temperature form the primary planning constraints.
Over the last 30 days, Lake Audrian averaged 8 mph wind and a NoGo Score of 11, with daily highs reaching 27. The next 7 days track similar conditions: calm mornings, rising afternoon wind, and temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Check the trend grid below to spot windows when wind drops below the rolling average and crowding stays light.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Lake Audrian
Lake Audrian lies in the high Sierra Nevada at 7,215 feet, roughly 15 miles southeast of Truckee via Highway 89. The lake drains into the Rubicon River system and sits on the western slope of the Lake Tahoe watershed. Access is straightforward: drive Highway 89 south from Truckee, then follow signed roads to the lake trailhead and parking area. The lake is best reached on foot or via off-road vehicle during high-snow years when standard parking fills. Gateway towns include Truckee to the north and South Lake Tahoe to the southeast; both offer fuel, supplies, and lodging for visitors planning a Lake Audrian visit.
Conditions at Lake Audrian are shaped by its elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical spring conditions at this altitude; annual extremes range from 19 to 53 degrees, spanning winter freeze to early fall warmth. Wind is the dominant weather driver. Mornings are typically calm, but afternoon wind rises consistently, with a 30-day average of 8 mph and gusts reaching 20 mph by late day. This afternoon escalation makes early-day visits strongly preferable for paddling, swimming, or fishing. Crowding averages 3 out of 10 across the rolling 30 days, making Lake Audrian a low-traffic destination compared to Mirror Lake or the main Tahoe shoreline. Spring snowmelt can raise water levels and limit shoreline access; confirm conditions before committing to a visit in April and May.
Lake Audrian suits paddlers, anglers, and hikers seeking a quiet alpine lake away from Highway 50 tourism. The low crowding baseline makes this lake ideal for groups wanting solitude or early-season practice in cold water. Experienced paddlers plan around the afternoon wind surge; most successful sessions occur before 11 a.m. Water temperature demands immersion gear year-round. Parking is limited and can fill on weekends; arrive early or plan for a weekday visit. The lake's modest size and elevation mean snow may persist into late May; check the Highway 89 corridor snow report before driving in April.
Nearby alternatives include Mirror Lake, 8 to 10 miles north, which is busier and more sheltered. Cascade Lake, also in the Tahoe corridor, offers similar elevation and wind patterns but better parking. For a quieter high-alpine experience without afternoon wind, head to Rubicon Lake farther south, though access is longer and seasonal closures are common. Lake Audrian's appeal lies in its low crowds and straightforward access; it bridges the gap between roadside day-use lakes and remote backcountry tarns.