Abundance of algae in the lake

[Ryan]

Been going to the lake for years. I’ve been multiple times every month on the year including September.

What’s the scoop on what’s going on with the algae? We saw quite a bit during our July trip, but this trip it’s EVERYWHERE. Like so much so that I am not sure I want to get in the water in almost any of the canyons.

From Iceberg to Cedar (Escalante wasn’t as bad).

Main channel isn’t bad, but the canyon walls where it meets the water is stained green in the canyons as well.

 

[Rivergoer]

Agreed, worst I can remember. Waters below Hole In The Rock are pretty good but gets progressively worse as you head north toward Bullfrog/Halls.

More than ever, we need a big spring runoff to flush it out (and many other reasons too).

 

[JFRCalifornia]

Definitely bad this year. Higher than normal temperatures, lower water volumes, shallower water in side canyons (which means warmer water), and the lack of a monsoon flush all conspired to make this possible... let's hope for a good winter ahead...

 

[Stuart Hepworth]

I am guessing that ash from fires also contributes to the nutrient load...

 

[Ryan]

As crazy as it sounds, the last two days we have seen none of the algae. Even in areas like Forgotten and Moki where it was terrible just a few days before.