July 21, 2011 Update

                       Elevation        Change from 7/8/11        Summer Max

Mendota         849.77              -  0.08 ft                              - 0.33 ft

Monona          844.96              -  0.15 ft                              - 0.24 ft

Waubesa        844.76               - 0.15 ft                              - 0.24 ft

Kegonsa         843.06               - 0.19 ft                              - 0.44 ft

We have received 15.97 inches of precipitation since January 1, 2011.  This compares to a normal of 18.22 inches for the same time frame. Last year, we received 25.05 inches of precipitation for the same time period.

As lakes are near or below  mid range of their respective water levels, we have been slowly stabilizing flow from one lake to the other.  We have decreased flow out of Mendota, Waubesa and Kegonsa.  The lock gates remain open at Babcock.  At Lafollette, lock gates remain closed, and 2 of the 3 bays are closed to flow.

Our weed scout continues to monitor vegetative growth in the river between Lakes Waubesa and Kegonsa on a weekly basis.   We will be moving additional harvesters back in to the river this coming week.

People may be observing large weed mats that get caught along the shoreline and piers.  These are not rooted plants.  Most instances we have observed mats of filamentous algae intertwined with floating vegetation.   Wind or precipitation generally will break up these mats.  We have been collecting these dense mats in these areas as crews progress around the lakes.  However, at times, the wind may push these mats to other areas of the lakes that do not allow us to efficiently pick up in a timely manner for some residents.

We continue to experience large areas of dense native vegetation that may contribute to navigation issues in all lakes.  If we do any cutting in these areas, it is for navigation purposes only.

July 8 Update

                        Elevation         Change from 7/1/11     Summer Max

 

Mendota         849.85            -  0.08 ft                            - 0.27 ft

Monona          845.11            -  0.07 ft                            - 0.09 ft

Waubesa        844.91             - 0.01 ft                            - 0.08 ft

Kegonsa         843.25             +0.02 ft                            - 0.27 ft

 

We have received 15.51 inches of precipitation since January 1, 2011.  This compares to a normal of 16.37 inches for the same time frame. 

 

As lakes are near  mid range of their respective water levels, we have been slowly stabilizing flow from one lake to the other.  We have decreased flow out of Mendota, as it reaches mid range level.  No other adjustments were made this week. 

 

Our weed scout continues to monitor vegetative growth in  the river between Lakes Waubesa and Kegonsa on a weekly basis.   We have 4 harvesters on the river and 2 on Lake Monona and will be placing 2 in Mendota.  At the request of Madison Parks we began harvesting vegetation in the Vilas Lagoon this week. 

 

Due to the large increase in vegetation, we will place a harvester in Lake Wingra to do only navigation cuts that may also open up for swimming and provide an 'edge' for predator fish.

 

Many constituents may be observing large weed mats that get caught along the shoreline and piers.  These are not rooted plants.  In most instances,  county staff have observed mats of filamentous algae intertwined with floating vegetation.   Wind or precipitation generally will break up these mats.  Staff are noticing large areas of dense native vegetation that may contribute to navigation issues in all lakes.  If any cutting is done in these areas, it is for navigation purposes only.

July 1 Lake Level Update

The following is an update provided by the County for July 1, 2011

 

                        Elevation        Change from June 10th, 2011              Summer Max

 

Mendota         849.93                  + 0.03 ft                               - 0.17 ft

Monona          845.18                  + 0.06 ft                               - 0.02 ft

Waubesa        844.92                   +0.14 ft                                - 0.08 ft

Kegonsa         843.23                   -0.05 ft                                 - 0.27 ft

 

We have received 15.39 inches of precipitation since January 1, 2011.  This compares to a normal of 15.46 inches for the same time frame. 

 

As lakes are near  mid range of their respective water levels, we have been slowly stabilizing flow from one lake to the other.  We have decreased flow out of Mendota, Waubesa and Kegonsa as they are near their respective mid range levels. 

 

Our weed scout continues to monitor vegetative growth in  the river between Lakes Waubesa and Kegonsa on a weekly basis.  Vegetative growth is primarily Wild Celery.  We have 7 harvesters on the river and 2 on Lake Monona.  At the request of Madison Parks we will begin harvesting vegetation in the Vilas Lagoon next week.