Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report October 21, 2008:

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 14.91’ NGVD, which is 0.08’ lower than a week ago, 0.18’ lower than a month ago, and 4.75’ higher than it was a year ago.  The current stage is 0.15’ below the historical average for this date, and 0.90’ above the simulated historical average for the current regulation schedule (LORS2008).  Total reported inflows are 1253 cfs, with the greatest contributions from S84 (666 cfs) and the Kissimmee River (253 cfs).  Total reported outflows are 555 cfs and include 388 cfs through the S308 and 167 cfs to the L8 at Canal Point. 

 

Monthly SAV sampling was conducted along the southern shoreline last week.  A continued decline in Chara was reported, with sparse growth reported at 1 of 7 sites.  Water clarity remains poor, with secchi depths < 0.5 m and secchi depth:total depth ratios < 0.2.

 

Vegetation management crews are on the lake treating large areas of exotic vegetation, including water hyacinth, West Indian marsh grass, and South American water grass (Luziola).  Treatment areas include Fisheating Bay, the northwest marsh, and the southern islands.  As many as 6 to 10 spray boats are expected to be active.  A crew is also treating Brazilian Pepper on Kreamer Island

 

A survey will be conducted this week to determine the status of large numbers of the endangered Okeechobee Gourd that became established on the southern islands during the drought. 

  

 

 


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