Townsley Lake
Lake · 10,344 ft · Yosemite corridor
Townsley Lake sits at 10,344 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra. This glacially-fed alpine lake sits exposed to afternoon wind funneling down the valley.
Wind dominates the afternoon window; mornings are calm and clear. The 30-day average wind of 13 mph masks gusts to 37 mph by mid-day. Temperatures hold near 21 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Approach from the north early; retreat before 2 p.m. if exposed terrain matters to your plans.
Over the last 30 days, Townsley Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 34, with temperatures holding near 21 degrees and wind peaking at 37 mph. Conditions here are driven by high-elevation exposure and afternoon valley funneling. The week ahead will follow the same pattern: calm early access, rising wind by midday, and sustained cold. Plan movement and exposed activities for the morning window.
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About Townsley Lake
Townsley Lake lies at 10,344 feet on the eastern flank of the Yosemite corridor, deep in the high Sierra. Access is typically via the eastern approach from the Highway 395 side, with the main trailhead accessible from Lee Vining or the reverse from Tioga Pass. The lake sits in avalanche terrain; winter and spring ascents demand snowpack assessment and route awareness. Summer access is clearer but still high-elevation and exposed. The base popularity is low relative to valley and roadside lakes, making it a destination for parties willing to travel far and climb hard.
Townsley Lake's weather pattern is defined by elevation and exposure. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical high-Sierra conditions in spring and early summer; the 365-day minimum of 8 degrees and maximum of 34 degrees show the range from deep winter to brief warm spells. Wind is the dominant variable. The 30-day average of 13 mph masks afternoon gusts to 37 mph, a pattern common to east-facing Sierra lakes where valley air funnels upslope by midday. Crowding averages 6 on the 30-day rolling window, indicating light traffic except during holiday weekends and the opening rush after Highway 120 thaws. Skip the afternoons if you're paddling or exposed; head here on calm mornings.
Townsley Lake suits self-sufficient backpackers, climbers, and fishers comfortable with solitude and cold. The base popularity of 0.25 means you will not encounter crowds; plan for isolation and self-rescue readiness. Winter and spring approaches demand avalanche training and real-time snowpack reports from the Shasta Cascade Avalanche Center (SAC). Summer parties should expect afternoon wind gusts; start movement early and secure camp before 2 p.m. Water is snowmelt-cold year-round. The elevation drives rapid weather shifts; afternoon thunderstorms are common in mid-summer. Parking is minimal and trailhead access is weather-dependent.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include higher lakes to the south and west, which are quieter but colder and later to open. Townsley Lake is more accessible than the true high peaks but less forgiving than roadside parking-lot lakes in the valley. Visitors seeking lower elevation and earlier season should consider the Highway 395 corridor lakes near Lee Vining; those wanting guaranteed isolation should push to the true backcountry beyond Townsley. The lake's position makes it a logical linkup point for longer Sierra traverses rather than a destination in isolation.