Tully Lake
Lake · 10,465 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Tully Lake sits at 10,465 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation alpine lake sees reliable afternoon wind and light crowds year-round.
Wind accelerates off Tully Lake by mid-afternoon, funneling down from the surrounding peaks. Morning conditions run calmer. The 30-day average wind is 14 mph, but gusts reach 43 mph in spring and early summer. Expect significant wind exposure on the open water.
The last 30 days averaged 36 on the NoGo Score, with wind holding near 14 mph and temperatures around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will likely see continued afternoon wind spikes and variable stability in high-elevation snowpack. Spring transitions bring unpredictable avalanche conditions; check the ESAC forecast before any approach through steep terrain.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Tully Lake
Tully Lake sits in the high Sierra backcountry east of the Mammoth Lakes area, accessible primarily via the Mammoth Lakes corridor approach. The lake sits at 10,465 feet elevation on the east side of the Sierra crest. Access typically routes through Mammoth Lakes village or the Inyo National Forest roads; Highway 395 is the primary gateway from the valley floor. The lake is a small alpine water body with limited developed parking and no facilities. Plan for a backcountry approach; confirm current road and trail conditions before driving, as high-elevation access roads close seasonally.
Spring and early summer bring the highest winds and greatest avalanche risk. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph masks afternoon gusts that frequently exceed 30 mph by 2 to 3 PM. Temperatures average 23 degrees Fahrenheit in the rolling 30-day window, with historical lows near 8 degrees. Winter snowpack persists into late spring at this elevation, and the steep terrain surrounding the lake transitions rapidly during melt season. Crowds remain light year-round, averaging 4 on the scale; this is a quiet destination compared to roadside Sierra lakes.
Tully Lake suits visitors seeking isolation and willing to approach backcountry alpine water in variable conditions. Fishing, light camping, and photography are the primary uses. Wind-sensitive activities like paddling or float tube fishing work best on calm mornings before mid-afternoon acceleration. Winter and early spring approach requires avalanche awareness and current snowpack assessment from ESAC. Skip the afternoon if you are paddling or relying on stable wind. The combination of high elevation, exposure, and thin snowpack coverage makes this destination most forgiving in late summer and early fall.
Nearby Mammoth Lake and other corridor destinations offer more developed access and lower avalanche terrain, though they see higher crowds and similar wind patterns. Tully Lake appeals specifically to visitors accepting backcountry logistics in exchange for solitude and high-elevation alpine character. The ESAC avalanche center covers the Eastern Sierra region; consult current forecasts before any winter or spring visit involving slope approach.