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.
