No change in target flows from Lake Okeechobee

Published Oct. 1, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

While levels continue to rise in Lake Okeechobee, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District will make no adjustments in target flows to the Caloosahatchee River at this time. 

The Corps announced Wednesday (Oct. 1) that the target flow from the lake to the Caloosahatchee Estuary would remain at a seven-day average of 650 cubic feet per second (cfs) as measured at W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) near Fort Myers.  However, as has been the case for much of the summer, local runoff outside the lake into the Caloosahatchee River will likely continue to cause flows to exceed this target on a frequent basis.

The target flow for the St. Lucie Lock and Dam (S-80) is also unchanged at 0 cfs, although local basin runoff from the St. Lucie Canal (C-44) will continue to be allowed to pass through the St. Lucie Lock as necessary.  

“The lake has risen a half foot over the past week,” said Lt. Col. Tom Greco, Jacksonville District Deputy Commander for South Florida.  “Near- to long-term forecasts all call for continued wet conditions.   We’ll continue to monitor the lake level and conditions very closely, making adjustments as necessary.” 

Today, the lake stage is 15.30 feet.  It is currently in the Operational Low Sub-Band of the 2008 LORS, but it is within one foot of Intermediate Sub-Band.  Under current conditions at this lake level, LORS authorizes discharges of up to 4,000 cfs at Moore Haven Lock & Dam, and up to 1,800 cfs at St Lucie.  

For more information on water level and flows data for Lake Okeechobee, visit the Corps’ water management page at the Jacksonville District website:

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/WaterManagement.aspx

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Contact
John Campbell
904-232-1004
john.h.campbell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-062