Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report October 7, 2008:

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 14.96’ NGVD, which is 0.03’ higher than a week ago, 0.11’ lower than a month ago, and 4.87’ higher than it was a year ago.  The current stage is 0.03’ below the historical average for this date, and 1.09’ above the simulated historical average for the current regulation schedule (LORS2008).  Total reported inflows are 2120 cfs, with the greatest contributions from S71 and S72 (1019 cfs), S191 (304 cfs), and the L8 at Canal Point (401 cfs).  Pulse releases to the estuaries continue at 1636 cfs through the S308 and 1054 cfs through the S77. 

 

Generally light algal bloom activity continues to occur around the lake.  Locations experiencing some surface-bloom activity include the shoreline from S191 to Taylor Creek and from Indian Prairie to the mouth of Fisheating Bay.  The extensive bloom reported two weeks ago across the northern part of the lake has dissipated.      

 

Vegetation management crews have been active on the lake in recent weeks.  The large monoculture of the invasive exotic plant Luziola previously reported at the mouth of Fisheating Creek has been successfully treated with no evidence of regrowth.  Another invasive grass, West Indian Marsh Grass, has greatly increased in coverage since Tropical Storm Fay and is being treated.  Large growths of water hyacinth and water lettuce have also developed and are being treated.

 

Spikerush stands that established this past summer along the lake shoreline continue to persist despite continued high lake stage. Stands along the southern shoreline still appear healthy, but those along the northwestern shoreline appear stressed, likely due to a combination of deep water, turbidity, and wave action.

  

 

 


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