The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District will reduce outflows from Lake Okeechobee this weekend as a result of receding water levels.
Effective Friday (Oct. 14), the target flow for the Caloosahatchee Estuary is 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) as measured at Moore Haven Lock & Dam (S-77) located on the southwest side of the lake. The target flow for the St. Lucie Estuary is 1,800 cfs as measured at St. Lucie Lock & Dam (S-80) near Stuart. Additional runoff from rain in the St. Lucie basin could occasionally result in flows that exceed targets.
“Flows into the lake are falling,” said Candida Bronson, Acting Operations Division Chief for the Jacksonville District. “One of the reasons for this is the South Florida Water Management District’s efforts to hold water in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to the north. We are hopeful that their action, coupled with continued good weather, will cause the recession in the lake level to continue.” “
Today’s lake stage is 15.97 feet, which is down 0.18 feet from the post-storm high of 16.15 feet on Saturday.
Additionally, the Corps continues to assist with post-Hurricane Matthew damage assessments around the state. Engineers have examined numerous beaches along the Atlantic coast. They have also examined the jetty at Ponce Inlet and provided technical assistance on coastal erosion issues.
“Our projects played a significant role in reducing impacts from this storm,” said Tim Murphy, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management. “Our shore-protection projects and beaches absorbed the energy from storm surge and wave action, which helped protect homes, businesses, roads and utilities.”
All ports along the Atlantic coast have resumed operations, although restrictions remain at the Port of Fernandina near the Georgia border.
More information on Jacksonville District response actions can be found at www.saj.usace.army.mil.
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Release no. 16-086