Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report January 22, 2008:

 

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 10.11’ NGVD, which is 0.02’ higher than a week ago and 0.14’ lower than a month ago.  The current stage is 1.77’ lower than it was a year ago and 4.66’ below its historical average for this time of year.  Inflows from the Kissimmee River (S65E) continue at approximately 250 cfs.  No outflows are reported. 

 

Results of the January monthly submerged-aquatic-vegetation (SAV) survey showed a decrease in average SAV biomass to 0.21 g DW m-2 from 2.31 g DW m-2 in December.  A normal seasonal decline in the macroalga Chara is responsible for this pattern.  The area behind King’s Bar continues to be one of the few areas supporting a nascent vascular SAV community.  Vallisneria continues to be found there and Hydrilla was observed last week.  This area was relatively sheltered from the damaging effects of the 2004-2005 hurricanes.  Current water levels continue to favor the development of new areas of emergent vegetation, including spikerush and bulrush, along the outer edge of the marsh from Clewiston up to the mouth of the Kissimmee.  Under normal lake stages, these areas would be dominated by SAV.

 


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