DEP’S Daily Update On Lake Okeechobee, Monday, February 29
“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 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 Forecast: Rainfall for the current week is forecast to be above average. Some showers could return as early as Tuesday; but, the next chance for appreciable, widespread rainfall arrives with a cold front the middle of next week.”
The Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release.
For Immediate Release: February 29, 2016, 3:08 PM/E
“As of February 26, water levels within the three WMAs previously listed have continued to remain above or near FWC criteria for special regulations that limit public access. As a result of overnight precipitation, Everglades WMA water levels experienced a slight increase while water levels in Rotenberger and Holey Land WMAs remained unchanged or dropped slightly over the past 24-hour period, respectively.
DEP’S DAILY UPDATE ON LAKE OKEECHOBEE. The figure depicts various flood control structures that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the South Florida Water Management District (District) operate. Courtesy of DEP.
Everglades WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 26 at WCA 3A North in Broward County = 12.03 feet
- High water closure criteria = 11.60 feet
- Regulation schedule = 10.11 feet
- Ascension rate for the last week = 0.01 feet
- Water level trend over the past 3 weeks = steady/unchanged
Rotenberger WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 26 = 13.21 feet
- High water closure criteria = 13.50 feet
- Regulation schedule = 12.81 feet
- Recession rate for the last week = (0.01) feet
- Water level trend over the past 3 weeks = dropping
Holey Land WMA:
- Water level as of Feb. 26 = 12.43 feet
- High water closure criteria = 12.50 feet
- Regulation schedule = 11.52 feet
- Ascension rate for the last week = 0.00 feet
- Water level trend over the past 3 weeks = steady/unchanged
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.
As a result of FWC’s continued observations, the special regulations that limit public access, for the three WMAs will continue. As water levels drop significantly below the established criteria, wildlife will have delayed reactions and conditions typically do not improve for at least a week or more. Once conditions improve for wildlife, FWC will recommend an order to rescind the current special regulations.
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 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 no rainfall over the region.
South Florida Water Management District’s Rainfall Forecast:
Rainfall for the current week is forecast to be above average. Some showers could return as early as Tuesday; but, the next chance for appreciable, widespread rainfall arrives with a cold front the middle of next week.”
For more information, please see DEP.
