Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report May 6, 2008:

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 10.11’ NGVD, which is 0.20’ lower than a week ago and 0.21’ lower than a month ago.  The current stage is 0.62’ higher than it was a year ago and 3.47’ below its historical average for this time of year.  Reported inflows include ~760 cfs from the Kissimmee River.  Outflows include ~330 cfs through the S352 and ~365 cfs through the S77. 

 

An apple snail egg survey was initiated along the northwestern and western littoral zones and in Fisheating Bay during the last week of April.  Approximately 80 of a total of 128 transects have been sampled, and 17 clutches of apple snail eggs were found on 2 adjacent transects in the northwestern region between the Indian Prairie Canal and Tinhouse Cove.  No clutches were found along the western littoral zone and the remaining transects, all located in the Fisheating Bay area, will be completed next week.  Egg surveys will continue each month through the summer to determine the distribution of apple snails across the littoral zone after 2 years of drought.

     

Bloom sites that were reported on last week (Pahokee Marina and LZ40 in the center of the lake) were sampled again at the end of last week. Chlorophyll and toxin data are not yet available, but the blooms at both sites have largely dissipated.

 

A wildfire continues to burn in the littoral zone near Observation Island on the southwest side of the lake.  At least 3500 acres have burned.  Arson is believed to be the cause.

 


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