WCA - Everglades Conditions Update

December 4, 2007

 

Rainfall:

Up to 2” of rain fell on localized regions of ENP and WCA 3-A but most areas of the Everglades received very little or no rain this week (see Raindar.gif). Averages for the regions ranged from 0.07 – 0.2”.  This was another week with a deficit water budget (assuming ET ranges from 0.85-1.0” per week at this time of year).

 

 

Water Conservation Areas:

Dry season recession predominates in most regions but the rate of decline was generally slightly less that of last week (see WCA_stages.xls). The exception was NW WCA 3-A where water levels increased slightly, probably due to the rainfall event. Water depths decreased by 0.04’ in WCA-1, 0.11’ in WCA-2A, 0.05’ in WCA-3A, 0.09’ NESRS, and by 0.04’ in WCA-3B. Water depths are typically above 2 ft, at this time of year, in the WCAs. However, on average, all the WCAs (except WCA-2B) have water depths below 2.0 ft. Stages in WCA-1 are in Zone B, WCA-2A remains well above regulation, and stages in WCA-3 remain below regulation (see WCA_reg_stages.doc).

 

 

Everglades National Park:

Trends for ENP wetland water levels were mixed for the week (see Shark Slough Stages.pdf).  Water level has remained remarkably constant in Shark River Slough (@ P33), holding near 1.3’ above ground surface for yet another week (although still low for this time of year).  In the southern part of the system, water level declined by 0.6” at Craighead Pond and by 1.2” in the panhandle at EVER6 over the week.  Taylor Sl. Bridge saw water level drop by nearly 3” last week (less than last week’s decline, and not unusual for this time of year). 

 

Salinity either decreased slightly or remained stable across Florida Bay last week.  Salinity concentrations fluctuated throughout the week at Trout Ck. & Taylor River, declining into single digits by the middle of the week.  In the Taylor River ponds salinity remained below 1 psu over the entire week.  Salinity concentrations at the Little Madeira Bay mouth platform held in the mid-teens throughout the week.  In the north-central Bay areas, Terrapin Bay and McCormick Creek salinity dropped from near 20 psu at the beginning of the week down towards 10 psu by the weekend.  In central Florida Bay, Whipray Basin remained well below 30 psu for another week (though data were only avail. through Friday, 11/30).  In the SRS outflow at Tarpon Bay, salinity decreased slightly to 5 psu by Sunday, 12/2.  As of now, the Bay appears to be well buffered in terms of salinity for the dry season.

 

 


 

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