The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District continues to monitor conditions and will step up releases from the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) to the Caloosahatchee estuary.
Starting Saturday, May 18, the Corps will increase the pulse release to the Caloosahatchee estuary to a 7-day average rate of 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79). Flows to the St. Lucie estuary remain at zero cfs as measured at the St. Lucie Lock and Dam (S-80). This schedule will remain in effect until further notice. Additional runoff from rain in the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie basins could occasionally result in flows that exceed one or both targets.
Today’s lake stage is 11.28 feet NGVD. During the past week, lake levels have increased 0.03 feet, with an overall 0.28 foot decrease in the past 30 days. The Corps will continue to monitor conditions and adjust flows as necessary. Any changes in flows to the estuaries will be announced to the public.
For more information on water level and flows data for Lake Okeechobee, visit the Corps’ water management website at www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/WaterManagement.aspx.
Release no. 19-028