Meadow Lake
Lake · 23,907 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Meadow Lake sits at 23,907 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a high-elevation alpine lake exposed to afternoon wind and accessible only in snow-free months.
Wind builds predictably by mid-afternoon as thermals rise off the surrounding ridges. Morning hours offer the calmest conditions; by 2 pm, gusts frequently exceed 15 mph. The lake freezes solid in winter and remains snow-covered into late spring. Temperature swings 25+ degrees between sun and shade.
Over the last 30 days, Meadow Lake has averaged 9 mph wind with gusts to 23 mph, and a NoGo score of 33, indicating moderate but variable conditions. The rolling 365-day record shows temperatures ranging from 21 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will track typical spring patterns: calm mornings, afternoon gusts, and lingering snowpack at the highest approaches.
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About Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake occupies a glacially-scoured basin in the high Sierra, accessed via Highway 50 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The lake lies north of Carson Pass in Alpine County, roughly 45 miles south of Lake Tahoe proper. Parking is minimal and seasonal; the main approach road is open only after Highway 50 clears, typically late May. Winter and early spring access requires skis or snowshoes. The nearest gateway is Markleeville to the south; from there, expect 90 minutes of driving plus approach time.
Meadow Lake is a high-altitude snowmelt lake subject to rapid weather swings and intense afternoon winds. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks a pronounced daily cycle; calm mornings before 10 am transition to sustained 15+ mph gusts by afternoon, with peaks near 23 mph on windy days. Water temperature stays in the mid-40s even in midsummer due to depth and elevation. Snow persists until late June most years. Crowds are minimal; the lake sees fewer than 50 visitors on typical weekends. The SAC avalanche center monitors the drainage; north-facing slopes above the lake retain instability into July in heavy snow years.
Meadow Lake suits high-elevation backpackers, remote fishers, and skiers seeking solitude. The approach rewards strong walkers; expect 4 to 5 hours of off-trail hiking or scrambling from the nearest trailhead depending on snow. Fishing pressure is negligible. Winter and spring visitors must assess avalanche risk on the approach slopes; cornices form on the ridges above the lake and release is common during warm spells. Plan for afternoon wind by starting camp activities before noon. Water sources above the lake are reliable snowmelt; treat or filter all intake. Mosquitoes are light due to altitude and early-season access.
Nearby high-altitude lakes in the Tahoe corridor include Blue Lakes and Silver Lake to the north, both more accessible and busier. Carson Pass sits 5 miles south and offers a popular day-hike destination. Visitors seeking calmer water and lower crowds often combine Meadow Lake with a multi-day loop using the Carson Pass trail system. The lake's isolation and volatility make it best suited for experienced mountain travelers comfortable with uncertainty and self-rescue.