DEP’S Daily Update On Lake Okeechobee, Thursday, February 25
Caloosahatchee Salinity Conditions: Salinity (based on optimal conditions for adult oysters) decreased and is in the good range at Sanibel, the fair range at Shell Point and in the poor range at Cape Coral.
St. Lucie Salinity Conditions: Salinity at the U.S. 1 bridge remains the same and continues to be in the poor range.
Lake Okeechobee Water Release Conditions, Thursday, February 25. Courtesy Of DEP.
The Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release.
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2016, 12:28 PM/E
“As of Feb. 24, water levels within the three WMAs previously listed have continued to remain above or near FWC criteria for special regulations that limit public access. Overall, water levels either remained unchanged or dropped slightly over the past 24-hour period.
Everglades WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 23 at WCA 3A North in Broward County = 12.04 feet
- High water closure criteria = 11.60 feet
- Ascension rate for the last week = 0.02 feet
- Average ascension rate for the last 3 weeks = 0.04 feet/week
Rotenberger WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 23 = 13.23 feet
- High water closure criteria = 13.50 feet
- Ascension rate for the last week = 0.01 feet
- Average recession rate for the last 3 weeks = (0.11) feet/week
Holey Land WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 23 = 12.43 feet
- High water closure criteria = 12.50 feet
- Ascension rate for the last week = 0.00 feet
- Average recession rate for the last 3 weeks = (0.01) feet/week
Lake Okeechobee Water Release Schedule, Thursday, February 25, 2016.
Wildlife surveys conducted on WMA levees and tree islands over the past week suggest increased use by wildlife. As a result, the remaining high ground is showing increased signs of degradation. As long as water levels remain high, conditions of upland areas as well as the wildlife dependent on them will continue to be impacted.
Salinity Conditions:
Caloosahatchee Salinity Conditions: Salinity (based on optimal conditions for adult oysters) decreased and is in the good range at Sanibel, the fair range at Shell Point and in the poor range at Cape Coral.
St. Lucie Salinity Conditions: Salinity at the U.S. 1 bridge remains the same and continues to be in the poor range.
Rainfall Information:
In January 2016, South Florida experienced the wettest January on record since recordkeeping began in 1932. Over the past three days, there has been 0.48 inches of rainfall over the region.
South Florida Water Management District’s Rainfall Forecast:
Rainfall for the current week is forecast to be above average. The forecast is for no rain for the next seven days.”
For more information, please see the Department of Environmental Protection.
