Mendota 849.78 + 0.01 ft - 0.32 ft
Monona 845.01 + 0.05 ft - 0.19 ft
Waubesa 844.89 + 0.13 ft - 0.11 ft
Kegonsa 843.03 - 0.03 ft - 0.47 ft
We have received 18.18 inches of precipitation since January 1, 2011. This is 3.87 inches below normal. Last year, we received 27.98 inches of precipitation for the same time period.
As lakes are near or below mid range of their respective water levels, we continue to slowly stabilize flow from one lake to the other. We have decreased flow out of Mendota, Waubesa and Kegonsa. We have been able to stabilize Lake Waubesa water level by placing logs in each of the bays at Babcock. The lock gates remain open to allow for navigation.
At Lafollette, 2 of the 3 bays are totally closed to keep Lake Kegonsa above Summer Minimum. Lock gates remain closed.
Currently 4 harvesters are in the river: 2 at Fish Camp and 2 operating out of the Yaeger loading site, immediately down stream from Babcock Lock and Dam. We have 2 harvesters on Mendota in the Spring Harbor area, and 2 operating in the Squaw Bay area.
As we are starting to wind down harvest for the season, our weed scout will check Lakes Mendota and Monona for a final time. Once these 2 lakes are complete, we will move harvesters back in to the river for a final clean up.
Many of your constituents may continue to observe large weed mats that get caught along the shoreline and piers. These are not rooted plants. Most instances we have 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.
