Upper Waterton Lake

Upper Waterton Lake

Glacier National Park, Glacier County, MT
2mi²
1276.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Waterton Lake is a stunning mountain lake that straddles the Canada-United States border in southern Alberta, Canada, and northern Montana, United States. The lake is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. Upper Waterton Lake, which is the larger of the two bodies of water that make up Waterton Lake, is approximately 960 acres in size and is located primarily within Canada. The lake is fed by several small streams and creeks, which flow into the lake from the surrounding mountains. The clear, turquoise waters of Upper Waterton Lake provide an ideal habitat for a variety of fish species, including Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Lake Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Fishing is a popular activity on Upper Waterton Lake, with anglers coming from all over to test their skills in these pristine waters. The lake is managed as a catch-and-release fishery, with strict regulations in place to protect the fish population. Anglers must have a valid fishing license and follow all rules and regulations to help preserve the lake's ecosystem for future generations. In addition to fishing, Upper Waterton Lake is also a popular destination for boating. Visitors can rent a canoe, kayak, or motorboat from one of the local outfitters and explore the lake's many inlets, bays, and coves. The lake's calm waters and stunning scenery make it an ideal location for a leisurely paddle or a scenic boat tour. Hiking is another popular activity in the area, with several trails leading into the surrounding mountains and offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The Crypt Lake Trail, which begins at the Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre, is a popular hike that takes visitors past waterfalls, through tunnels, and over a narrow ridge before reaching the stunning Crypt Lake. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the area, with the lake and surrounding mountains providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Visitors are reminded to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and to follow all park regulations. Waterton Lake is a remarkable natural wonder, offering visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities in a stunning mountain setting. The lake's crystal-clear waters, diverse fish population, and stunning scenery make it an ideal destination for anglers, boaters, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. With proper management and protection, Waterton Lake will continue to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences for generations to come.

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Current Conditions

63°F°
Feels like 56°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
46°F°
Today's Low
34°F°

Water Temperature

38°F
Updated: (May 3)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Upper Waterton Lake is 38°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind10 mph SSW (Gust 19 mph)
Pressure
29.65 inHg
Visibility27 mi
Humidity30%
Cloud Cover99%

Forecast: Sunday, May 4

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
38°F°
9%
10 AM
38°F°
10%
1 PM
39°F°
17%
4 PM
42°F°
7%

Temperature

High
46°F°
Low
34°F°

Precipitation

Chance41%
Amount0.1"
Typerain

Wind

5mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
28mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed12 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise12:09 PM
Sunset2:56 AM
Moon PhasefirstQuarter
Max UV Index4 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

1:50 AM - 4:20 AM

10:08 AM - 12:38 PM

Minor Times (Good)

6:04 PM - 7:34 PM

8:59 AM - 10:29 AM

Outlook for Sunday at Upper Waterton Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 34°F to 46°F. There's a 41% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.1" snow. Winds will be averaging 5 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 28 mph. The maximum UV index will be 4 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 1:50 AM and 10:08 AM, or try the minor windows near 6:04 PM and 8:59 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Upper Waterton Lake.

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May 4th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
1276 ft
Area
2 mi²
Coordinates
48.981, -113.891

Weather Forecast

Sunday

46°F
34°F

Monday

44°F
31°F

Tuesday

53°F
30°F

Wednesday

58°F
38°F

Thursday

53°F
40°F

Friday

61°F
35°F

Saturday

66°F
46°F

Sunday

64°F
46°F

Monday

60°F
44°F
Sunday - 5/4/2025
46°F
34°F
12am
46°F
38°F
29.74 hPa
9 mph
SW
G: 23 mph
2am
43°F
38°F
29.74 hPa
9 mph
SSW
G: 25 mph
4am
41°F
38°F
29.76 hPa
12 mph
SW
G: 28 mph
6am
39°F
38°F
29.80 hPa
8 mph
SSW
G: 22 mph
8am
38°F
38°F
29.89 hPa
5 mph
WSW
G: 11 mph
10am
38°F
38°F
29.91 hPa
4 mph
WSW
G: 9 mph
12pm
39°F
38°F
29.94 hPa
5 mph
N
G: 9 mph
2pm
40°F
38°F
29.95 hPa
4 mph
NNE
G: 9 mph
4pm
42°F
38°F
29.93 hPa
4 mph
N
G: 11 mph
6pm
42°F
38°F
29.94 hPa
3 mph
NNW
G: 9 mph
8pm
40°F
38°F
29.97 hPa
2 mph
NNW
G: 7 mph
10pm
37°F
38°F
30.03 hPa
4 mph
NNE
G: 9 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Upper Waterton Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

32°F

On Jan 19

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

41°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (60°F).
  • Coolest avg: February (33°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: June → July (+15°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-13°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm07142128

Wind Direction

220°

Pressure

1007 mb

Cloud Cover

33%

Visibility

16 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

SunMonTueWedThuFriSatSunMon0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Waterton Lake

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