Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report September 16, 2008:

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 15.16’ NGVD, which is 0.06’ higher than a week ago, 3.91’ higher than a month ago, and 5.55’ higher than it was a year ago.  The current stage is 0.59’ above the historical average for this date, and 1.65’ above the simulated historical average for the current regulation schedule (LORS2008).  Total reported inflows are 4821 cfs, with the greatest contributions from the Kissimmee River (3493 cfs), S71 (439 cfs), and Fisheating Creek (~700 cfs).  Outflows of 130 cfs are reported to the L8 at Canal Point.  Pulse releases to the estuaries are scheduled to resume today. 

 

The monthly submerged-aquatic-vegetation (SAV) survey was completed yesterday and 16 of the 32 sites visited had plants.  Last month (pre TS Fay) 24 of the 35 sites visited had plants.  Water clarity has decreased with an average secchi depth:total depth ratio of 0.34 compared to 0.96 last month.  The decrease in light conditions along the northwestern shoreline and in Fisheating Bay is a result of tannic conditions while suspended particles are contributing to the lower light levels in the south and west. Water depths at many of the lakeward sites are greater than 2 meters and if these conditions persist it is expected that SAV beds in these area may begin to show signs of stress in the coming months. 

 

Monthly phytoplankton monitoring was performed yesterday.  For the first time in over a year all nine sites had sufficient water for sampling.  Toxin and chlorophyll data are not yet available but minor blooms were observed at most of the northern stations and a more significant bloom was seen in Harney Pond. An increase in bloom formation may occur as terrestrial vegetation in the newly inundated littoral zone die and release nutrients into the water column.

 

Large areas of spikerush and cattail persist at water depths of 1.6 to 1.7 m along the western shoreline.  The lakeward edge of this vegetation is showing clear signs of stress while plants closer to shore still appear healthy.  Bulrush, an important component of the shoreline vegetation community in the past, is conspicuously absent. 

 

 


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