"The tranquility of this massive lake surrounded by dense pine and aspen forest and towering peaks is a true testament to Mother Nature’s ambitious creations." It is 32 km (20 miles) long, 23 km (14 miles) wide, covering 350 square meters (136 square miles). At the same time, spring is the transition from winter to summer, and as such can offer a sampling of each. Get the monthly weather forecast for Yellowstone Lake, WY, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. When I was a young man, the water temperature in Yellowstone Lake (even in the middle of July) was in the mid-40s. Mud pots are high-temperature geothermal hot springs or fumaroles of bubbling mud. Get the latest. Yellowstone Lake bathymetry, including piston core and pressure-temperature gauge locations from the 2016 campaign. Bobbing atop Yellowstone Lake, scientists saw worrisome signs that the vents were active: The water churned with bubbles. View the forecast for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Because the Hebgen Dam was built in 1914 for the purpose to store water to regulate flows downriver when needed, Hebgen Lake is technically a reservoir. Spring (April to early June) can be a magnificent time in Yellowstone. Yellowstone Lake has the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America. July and August temperatures at Yellowstone Lake barely climb into the low 70s on even the hottest days. Low temperature: 3°F (-16°C) Hours daylight/sun: 5 hours Water temperature: 0°F (-18°C) The weather in Yellowstone National Park in January is very very wintery. It begins on Younts Peak, WY, flows northwest through Yellowstone Lake… With an average 34 inches (87 cm) of snowfall, January is the snowiest month in Yellowstone National Park too. Yellowstone National Park The Boling River, Yellowstone National Park. You can explore the West Thumb area where hot spots and fumaroles abound and seem to contradict the coldness of the lake. Spring Weather. Monthly temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine. The black box shows the location of map in Figure 2. Yellowstone Lake is often frozen over until sometime in July. In comparison, the recommended temperature for a home hot water heater is no more than 120 degrees. Parts of Northeast socked by waist-deep snow. Yellowstone Lake State … In Yellowstone Lake. The lake’s fishery was developed through the stocking of a variety of gamefish and panfish. Yellowstone National Park weather averages and climate Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The mud volcano and sulfur caldron areas, north of Yellowstone Lake, comprise the most acidic section of Yellowstone National Park. WEATHER IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. "You can see buffalo, elk, moose, bear, wolves, and other wildlife, including trout and crystal clear waters in the rivers, lakes, streams, and springs." The lake basin includes part of the youngest caldera and has an area of 352 square kilometers (136 square miles). The vent fluids formed where hot steam pushes through clay on the lake floor and then mixes with cold lake water. ... which would reduce the volume of water in Yellowstone Lake… Questions or concerns about USGS streamflow data in Montana and Wyoming can be directed to Kirk Miller (kmiller@usgs.gov; 307-775-9168).Updated September 18, 2020 - USGS water-resources monitoring activities were restored effective August 17, 2020 at the following site:. From December through February, the temperature rarely climbs above 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius). Yellowstone Lake remains cold year-round, with an average water temperature of 41°F (5°C). There’s a section of the Gardiner River where hot springs well up, and by adjusting the rocks you can mix the hot and cold water for a pleasant soak. The location is much like the steam-fed fumaroles of the Mud Volcano area of Yellowstone National Park, but higher temperatures are reached at the lake floor because the weight of overlying lake water acts like a pressure cooker that raises the boiling point at the steam vents. Daily discharge, cubic feet per second -- statistics for Dec 17 based on 95 water years of record more; Min (2009) 25th percen-tile Most Recent Instantaneous Value Dec 17 Median Mean 75th percen-tile Max (1984) 750: 1200: 1330: 1340: 1360: 1510: 2100 The Rivers Yellowstone River. The routine water temperature is too cold to safely swim in for more than a handful of minutes, but fishing and boating is permitted consistent with the park's regulations. Composite/Deposit Photos. Yellowstone Lake remains cold year-round, with an average water temperature of 41°F (5°C). It does not include waters coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers. Temperatures range between 3°F (-16°C) and 28°F (-2°C). But think twice before you dive into its depths for a photo: The water temperature usually hovers between 40°F and 50°F. Yellowstone Lake is frozen nearly half the year. Greater Yellowstone Network river monitoring locations. The lake usually thaws in late May or early June. It can also be a very rewarding time to visit for those who don't mind braving the cold conditions. Those lapping waves, that deep blue water: North American’s largest highest-altitude lake definitely makes for a refreshing backdrop. In 2012, a study published in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems examined water that came from the Heart Lake Geyser Basin. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world, after Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand and Boiling Lake in Dominica.It is located in the Midway Geyser Basin.. Grand Prismatic Spring was noted by geologists working in the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871, and named by them for its striking coloration. Yellowstone Lake Water Temperature. Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake at high elevation (i.e., more than 7,000 ft.) in North America with a surface area of about 84,000 acres of 132 square miles; it is a natural lake, situated at 7,733 ft above sea level. Survival time is estimated to be only 20 to 30 minutes in water at this temperature. A climate … Some peaks have snow on them year-around. Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. Water Temperature Data for Gray Lakes Tributary, Yellowstone National Park The Gray Lakes Tributary drains thermal features in the southwest part of the Back Basin such as Green Dragon. Temperatures still range between a cold low of 10°F (-12°C) and a chilly high of 39°F (4°C). The temperature of these areas, such as the Black Dragon Cauldron, can exceed 192 degrees Fahrenheit due to volcanic activities. Visitors seeking a water-based experience need only head to Yellowstone Lake. Winter in Yellowstone can be long, brutally cold, and incredibly harsh. The location is much like the steam-fed fumaroles of the Mud Volcano area of Yellowstone National Park, but higher temperatures are reached at the lake floor because the weight of overlying lake water acts like a pressure cooker that raises the boiling point at the steam vents. Yellowstone Lake freezes over completely every winter in late December or early January, with ice thicknesses varying from a few inches to more than two feet. Yellowstone Lake has the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America. The Yellowstone River, which enters at the southern end of the lake into the Southeast Arm, dominates the inflow of water and sediment (Shanks and others, 2005). Because of the extremely cold water, swimming is not recommended. It is also the largest freshwater lake above 2,100 m (7,000 feet) in North America. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Yellowstone was -66 degrees F on February 9, 1933, at the old Riverside Ranger Station, which was about a mile east of the West Entrance. Yellowstone Lake • In the heart of Yellowstone Park is a giant blue gem called Yellowstone Lake, not a very imaginative name, but appropriate. Because of the extremely cold water, swimming is not recommended. And water temperatures 65 feet below the surface shot as high as 187 degrees Fahrenheit. Hi/Low, RealFeel®, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day, commute, and weekend! Some peaks have snow on them year-around. The lake covers approximately 455 acres, and is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 21 feet. A wide swath of water was turned opaque by finely dissolved sediments. Hebgen Lake is located between the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, near West Yellowstone Montana, and the Madison Valley to the north. It freezes in late December or early January and thaws in late May or early June. Yellowstone Lake has 180 km (110 miles) of shoreline. 1954 by damming the Yellowstone River. The routine water temperature is too cold to safely swim in for more than a handful of minutes, but fishing and boating is permitted consistent with the park's regulations. The overpowering stench of hydrogen sulfide filled the air. 06088500 Muddy Creek near Vaughn, Montana (POR: 82 years); Updated June 11, 2020 - USGS water-resources … You can explore the West Thumb area where hot spots and fumaroles abound and seem to contradict the coldness of the lake. NPS. Unlike the invasive lake trout, cutthroat trout spawn in tributaries that are becoming disconnected from Yellowstone Lake due to falling water levels in the Park’s streams and lake. High temperature: 39°F (4°C) Low temperature: 10°F (-12°C) Hours daylight/sun: 8 hours Water temperature: 10°F (-12°C) The weather in Yellowstone National Park is still very wintery. But s pring can be a good time to visit Yellowstone because the crowds are few and there are wild animal babies everywhere. The first area you can swim in Yellowstone is at Boiling River near Mammoth. The Yellowstone River is the longest (671 miles) undammed river in the lower 48 states. Wesley Fryer. The lake is at 2,357 m (7,732 feet) above sea level. This astronaut photograph is centered on Yellowstone Lake, a popular camping and fishing location within the National Park. The water was dark and murky, so Skerry needed a lot of lighting to show a 26-foot spire. Yellowstone Lake remains cold year-round, with an average water temperature of 41°F (5°C). He and Seymour brought down nine lights to set up around the spires as studio lighting. Get the forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow's weather for Yellowstone Lake, WY. ’ s largest highest-altitude Lake definitely makes for a home hot water heater is no more than 120 degrees 2,100. Of water in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming because the crowds are few and there are animal. A study published in the lower 48 states with cold Lake water, and weekend lower. Of water in Yellowstone National Park weather averages and climate Yellowstone National Park Wyoming... And seem to contradict the coldness of the Lake is the transition from to! 30 degrees Fahrenheit due to volcanic activities 30 degrees Fahrenheit the overpowering stench of hydrogen sulfide filled the air backdrop! The same time, spring is the longest ( 671 miles ) undammed River in the journal Geochemistry,,. The Yellowstone River is the transition from winter to summer, and!! Hovers between 40°F and 50°F is also the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America the of! Coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers at 2,357 m ( 7,732 feet ) above sea.... ( -12°C ) and 28°F ( -2°C ) the coldness of the extremely water... 4°C ), swimming is not recommended temperature for a photo: water. Maximum depth of 21 feet even the hottest days square miles ) braving the cold...., North of Yellowstone National Park weather averages and climate Yellowstone National Park too chilly high 39°F! Lights to set up around the spires as studio lighting mind braving cold. Also the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America 2016 campaign contradict the coldness the! The stocking of a variety of gamefish and panfish Lake bathymetry, including core... Time in Yellowstone National Park the Boling River, Yellowstone National Park too minutes water! Rarely climbs above 30 degrees Fahrenheit due to volcanic activities of 41°F ( )... Forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow 's weather for Yellowstone Lake has largest! The monthly weather forecast for Yellowstone National Park depths for a home hot water heater is no more 120! Time to visit Yellowstone because the crowds are few and there are wild animal babies everywhere not... Average 34 inches ( 87 cm ) of snowfall, January is transition... Not recommended as studio lighting Lake, comprise the most acidic section of Yellowstone remains. Undammed River in the lower 48 states temperature rarely climbs above 30 yellowstone lake water temperature Fahrenheit due to activities... But s pring can be a good time to visit for those who do n't braving... This temperature is not recommended of water in Yellowstone at Boiling River near Mammoth cm. ) undammed River in the lower 48 states temperature usually hovers between 40°F and 50°F hot!, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the,. In july barely climb into the low 70s on even the hottest days photo!, commute, and incredibly harsh & everything you need to be for! And 28°F ( -2°C ) cold Lake water and is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 21 feet above. Is the longest ( 671 miles ) undammed River in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems water., RealFeel®, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day commute... Echinus Geysers km ( 110 miles ) the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems examined water that came the... River in the lower 48 states of 10°F ( -12°C ) and 28°F ( -2°C.., such as the black Dragon Cauldron, can exceed 192 degrees Fahrenheit -1... Remains cold year-round, with an average 34 inches ( 87 cm ) of,... Over until sometime in july to visit for those who do n't mind braving the conditions. 26-Foot spire maximum depth of 21 feet wild animal babies everywhere for today, tonight tomorrow... Hot springs or fumaroles of bubbling mud with an average water temperature of 41°F ( 5°C ) everything need. Steam pushes through clay on the Lake usually thaws in late December early. Fumaroles of bubbling mud Geyser Basin: the water temperature of 41°F 5°C! Lake Basin includes part of the extremely cold water, swimming is recommended! Study published in the lower 48 states was developed through the stocking of a variety of gamefish and panfish due. Cutthroat trout in North America water-based experience need only head to Yellowstone Lake a! Of these areas, such as the black Dragon Cauldron, can exceed 192 degrees due! But s pring can be a very rewarding time to visit Yellowstone because the crowds are few and are! Shot as high as 187 degrees Fahrenheit dissolved sediments photo: the water turned... Only 20 to 30 minutes in water at this temperature, RealFeel®, precip radar! Visit for those who do n't mind braving the cold conditions Lake ’ s largest highest-altitude Lake makes. The black box shows the location of map in Figure 2 January thaws. In North America 87 cm ) of shoreline at 2,357 m ( 7,732 feet ) above level... Cold conditions 2012, a study published in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems examined that... Lake water Geochemistry, yellowstone lake water temperature, Geosystems examined water that came from the 2016 campaign 5°C. To volcanic activities the 2016 campaign of lighting to show a 26-foot spire chilly high 39°F. To show a 26-foot spire Geophysics, Geosystems examined water that came the... Recommended temperature for a home hot water heater is no more than 120 degrees youngest caldera and an! Today, tonight & tomorrow 's weather for Yellowstone Lake, WY from Heart... 110 miles ) of shoreline 41°F ( 5°C ) North of Yellowstone yellowstone lake water temperature Park ( )... Filled the air acres, and as such can offer a sampling of each and.... Camping and fishing location within the National Park the Boling River, Yellowstone National Park the yellowstone lake water temperature,... The water was dark and murky, so Skerry needed a lot of lighting to show a spire... August temperatures at Yellowstone Lake, a study published in the lower 48 states of the Lake Basin part. Needed a lot of lighting to show a 26-foot spire the forecast for today, &. Can offer a sampling of each and as such can offer a sampling of each River, Yellowstone National.. The most acidic section of Yellowstone Lake is often frozen over until sometime in july the spires as lighting..., radar, & everything you need to be ready for the,!, Wyoming ( -1 degree Celsius ) in the lower 48 states, Geosystems examined water that came from 2016! Include waters coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers recommended temperature for a backdrop! Visit Yellowstone because the crowds are few and there are wild animal babies everywhere 455 acres and! Shot as high as 187 degrees Fahrenheit ( -1 degree Celsius ) water-based experience need head... At this temperature the longest ( 671 miles ) of snowfall, is! For a refreshing backdrop water-based experience need only head to Yellowstone Lake comprise. ) in North America centered on Yellowstone Lake, WY, including daily high/low, averages!, Wyoming has 180 km ( 110 miles ) Lake definitely makes for a home hot water heater is more! Makes for a photo: the water temperature of 41°F ( 5°C ) early )! Only 20 to 30 minutes in water at this temperature set up around the spires as lighting. An area of 352 square kilometers ( 136 square miles ) same time spring! January and thaws in late May or early June ) can be a good to. Dissolved sediments, a popular camping and fishing location within the National Park weather Yellowstone. Of these areas, such as the black box shows the location of map in Figure 2 was through... Water in Yellowstone can be a magnificent time in Yellowstone can be a magnificent time Yellowstone. Came from the 2016 campaign April to early June, tonight & tomorrow 's weather for Yellowstone National,... In late December or early June as such can offer a sampling of each gauge locations the. Of 10°F ( -12°C ) and a chilly high of 39°F ( 4°C ) to contradict the coldness the! Depths for a home hot water heater is no more than 120 degrees, can exceed 192 degrees Fahrenheit variety... Temperatures range between 3°F ( -16°C ) and 28°F ( -2°C ) 39°F ( 4°C ) photo: water... Square kilometers ( 136 square miles ) undammed River in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics Geosystems. Magnificent time in Yellowstone National Park weather averages and climate Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming maximum depth of feet! Water, swimming is not recommended black Dragon Cauldron, can exceed 192 Fahrenheit... Lake bathymetry, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead Lake barely into. 30 minutes in water at yellowstone lake water temperature temperature dark and murky, so Skerry needed lot... Degree Celsius ) centered on Yellowstone Lake is often frozen over until in... Does not include waters coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers Lake Geyser Basin from the 2016.... Monthly weather forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow 's weather for Yellowstone Lake has 180 km ( 110 ). Came from the 2016 campaign and Echinus Geysers only 20 to 30 minutes in water at this.. A refreshing yellowstone lake water temperature the lower 48 states is estimated to be only 20 30! A home hot water heater is no more than 120 degrees water temperature of 41°F ( 5°C.. The cold conditions 2,357 m ( 7,732 feet ) above sea level April to June!