On Thursday, June 18th, Cyanobacteria was found in the channel leading from Halls Bay.
The orange arrow below indicates the approximate location of the Cyanobacteria. Small spots were also seen south of that location in Halls Bay channel.
Here is a photo of the Cyanobacteria bloom - it looks like light blue paint on top of the water:
This bloom has since dissipated, but please be aware that small spots were still visible in Halls Bay channel.
Please keep pets and children out of the water in the channel.
As was the case in 2018, the conditions were perfect for it to bloom there: lack of rain, temperature, water depth and lack of water movement.
Additional information from the Vermont Department Of Health on Cyanobacteria can be read here: "CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE)". Please let us know immediately if you spot some.
From Vermont DEC:
"So long as there is visible cyanobacteria in the water, both in the inlet stream and anywhere along the lake shore where it empties into St. Catherine proper, everyone should be avoiding contact with them. Pets are also vulnerable, so owners should be keeping their pets out as well.
It is difficult to predict how long the bloom might persist in the stream. Lake surface blooms typically dissipate when wind and waves thoroughly stir the water. They can last for a matter of hours or for several days or weeks, depending on the conditions. Blooms in streams typically are moved out by increased flow. It doesn’t sound like you received much rain as a result of the storms earlier this week, so this bloom may persist until there is more water movement."
We will keep you informed with any updates. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@lakestcatherine.org.