Prosser Reservoir Beach
Beach · 5,741 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Prosser Reservoir Beach sits at 5741 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra, offering a sheltered cove setting. Wind and cold water are the defining constraints; spring and early summer bring the most stable conditions.
Wind funnels off the reservoir by mid-afternoon, with average speeds around 8 mph and gusts to 20 mph. Morning conditions are calmer. Water temperature stays well below 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making immersion planning essential. Crowds remain moderate; this is not a destination beach.
Over the last 30 days, Prosser Reservoir Beach averaged 8 mph wind and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with NoGo scores clustering in the low range at 14.0 average. The week ahead will likely show similar patterns. Wind intensification typically begins in late morning and peaks by mid-afternoon, making early visits more rewarding than afternoon ones.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Prosser Reservoir Beach
Prosser Reservoir Beach lies on the western shore of Prosser Reservoir, a high-Sierra impoundment roughly 40 miles northeast of Sacramento via Highway 50. The beach serves boaters, swimmers, and picnickers seeking a quieter alternative to the crowded Tahoe lakeshore proper. Access is via Forest Service Road branching off Highway 50 in the vicinity of Riverton; parking is limited but rarely full except on holiday weekends. The reservoir sits 120 feet below the surrounding ridgeline, which provides wind shelter compared to the open lake to the east.
Spring and early summer (late April through June) bring the most consistent conditions, with temperatures averaging 41 degrees Fahrenheit and morning wind often dropping below 5 mph before noon. By mid-afternoon, wind routinely picks up to 10 to 15 mph as pressure gradients steepen. Winter snowpack lingers at this elevation until mid-May, and water temperature remains near freezing into early June. The 30-day average wind of 8 mph masks the diurnal pattern; actual morning readings are 2 to 4 mph lower, while afternoon gusts hit 15 to 20 mph regularly. Crowding averages 11.0 on the NoGo scale, reflecting low baseline popularity.
Prosser Reservoir Beach suits paddlers (kayak and canoe) seeking protected water, swimmers with cold-water tolerance, and anglers targeting high-Sierra trout. Expect no amenities; bring water and food. Parking is dirt and unimproved; trailers are discouraged. Wind-sensitive activities (sailing, windsurfing) are impractical here due to fetch limitations and afternoon gusts. Thermal protection (wetsuit, drysuit for swimmers; splash wear for paddlers) is mandatory year-round. Visibility is excellent on clear mornings; afternoon haze or wind chop reduces appeal by 2 p.m.
Nearby alternatives include Ice House Reservoir (similar elevation, slightly more exposed) and the protected coves of Folsom Lake's Salmon Falls area (lower elevation, warmer water, higher crowding). Prosser is best for early-morning paddlers or anglers wanting solitude and calm water before the wind arrives.