Bloom Forecast May 20 - May 27

Our models suggest that there will continue to be a relatively high concentration of algae in Detroit Lake over the next week, and that toxins may occur. Probability of occurrence (%) of different algal concentrations (left) and whether a toxin will be present in the water (right) in the next week (note that the toxin predictions are still highly experimental).

Latest lake conditions

Water samples from the lake were analyzed last week for nutrients and algal concentrations. In addition, information on the weather was collected. These data are presented below as a percentage of their historical maximum.
Last sampled conditions at Detroit Lake, including the weather (temperature, wind, rain and sunlight) as well as the concentration of algae, nutrients (total phosphates and nitrates) and toxins (N/A denotes unavailable data).

Where we are in the season

It is May and historically this is the start of the harmful algal bloom season. It is also the time of the year with the greatest bloom activity. Number of algal blooms since 2013, for each month in the year.