The following are the results of some water quality parameters: Dissolved Oxygen vs. Together these four operating constraints present a complex set of management options that are considered and incorporated into the strategy for managing the Lake Whatcom Reservoir. Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. To summarize, people have been utilizing the Lake Whatcom watershed since the mid-1800s (Peterson, 2008). There are no upcoming meetings, please check back soon. It is the drinking water source for over 100,000 Whatcom County residents. )[7] Annual analysis and progress reports are prepared to support of the five year management program. This lake is, from what I could see, totally surrounded by private residences so I'm not sure what the point of visiting it would really be. With a high around 46F and the low around 37F. Sea water temperature in Puget Sound is expected to be constant . The amount of water that is available for storage and treatment. Perfect for families with strollers, runners, or walkers like me! Data in the 2015/2016 Lake Whatcom Monitoring Program Annual Report by Matthews et al. The lake is large and there are points along the road where you can view some of it as you drive, but there is really no easy place to stop and relax along the entire west side. The model calibration period was from February 14 . 12.4, One look at the lake and its watershed would convey to the casual observer that it is more of a recreational destination and resort area rather than a drinking water source for all of Bellingham and half of Whatcom County. 2012 Department of Ecology (DOE) Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (2012) DOE Manual. Implementing mitigation efforts now has become an even higher priority given these data results foreshadow additional impacts to the lake as climate change progresses. The graph below shows the range of monthly Bellingham water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. Boating access and other amenities are available at Bloedel Donovan Park (City of Bellingham) anda WDFW access area. Our state water quality criteria is 16C. Fishing spots and depth contours layers are available in most Lake maps. Annual water quality monitoring funded by the city of Bellingham and conducted by Dr. Robin Matthews and her research team at Western Washington University have provided data clearly showing the decline in several water quality parameters over the last 30 years. Latest Lake Temperatures. This was a fun break for the kids from the intense hiking days, we just hung out on the beach and swam in the water. Development permits may be submitted at any time during the year. Very crowded with families. 21.6, Lake Whatcom was the transportation route for timber, harvested on the slopes, and floated in "log-booms" towed to the mills at both the south and the north ends of the lake. Lake Whatcom is home to 13 species of fish. } As the water source for a city fast approaching 100,000, the lake extends from the eastern edge of Bellingham, which sits on the Salish Sea, and extends 12 miles into the Cascade foothills. 1.7 1.59 vaww02. 3: { color: '#FF6347', targetAxisIndex:1, lineWidth: 0 }, It is approximately 10 miles (16 km) in length and 1 mile (1.6 km) in width at its widest. This lake supplies water for over 60,000 . Turn left and follow Lake Whatcom Blvd along the lake to the dead end. Bald eagles abound. The eastern end of the lake is crowded and overbuilt, and the southern end is more rural with great views of the Cascade range to the east. Full Dispersion is a method in which no more than 10% of site is covered with impervious surface and 65% of the site is kept in a forest or native condition. Lake Whatcom is located and managed within three political jurisdictions: the city of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. The hottest avg. Only the southern portion of Basin 3 had chlorophyll concentrations that slightly decreased compared to 2015 data (see Figure 4). Currently, none of the fifteen species identified by the state of Washington as "most unwanted" are found in the lake. Customize table to display other current-condition parameters, HOWARD A HANSON RESERVOIR NEAR PALMER, WA, CEDAR LAKE (MASONRY POOL) NEAR CEDAR FALLS, WA, SOUTH FORK TOLT RESERVOIR NEAR CARNATION, WA, BAKER LAKE AT UPPER BAKER DAM NEAR CONCRETE, WA, FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT LAKE AT GRAND COULEE DAM, WA, LAKE CHELAN AT PURPLE POINT AT STEHEKIN, WA, SWIFT RESERVOIR 3.2 MI EAST OF DAM NEAR COUGAR, WA. 49.3, By the 1930s, however, the region experienced a population boom with increased residential development of homes and summer cottages in the northwest part of the watershed. Snow accumulation of 2 to 7 Inches. Elevated levels of mercury have been found in fish and sediment sampled from the lake. The meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and the last Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the District office . Return and drive toward Hwy 9. Cold and difficult to stay in except for August. It has also been recommended that Lake Whatcom be placed on the 303(d) list for impairments The coldest month is January with an water temperature of 39F / 3.9C. Those metals include phosphorus, mercury, lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, etc. Lake Whatcom By Washington Water Science Center January 3, 2004 Lake Whatcom, a large, natural lake in Whatcom County, is a source of drinking water for about 86,000 in the Bellingham area and a place for recreation. Catch is lowest in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary streams. Since then, the Lake Whatcom Management Team has worked to install storm water runoff treatment systems around the heavily populated areas of the watershed. Fishing resources. The trail ends in 3 miles at a fenced private property. If your service has been disconnected, please contact the office at (360) 734-9224 to arrange for service restoration. The city, county and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer district have been working to reduce phosphorus loading in the lake since the early 1990s. Note: WCC 20.51.420(1) contains a complete list of activities that are exempt from the stormwater facility requirement. Water temperature in Puget Sound today is 46.8F. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Luxurious homes interspersed with summer cottages line much of the shoreline, with more stacked in tiers extending to higher elevations in the watershed. 4.1], Find our. 3.8], ['January', 4.2, South Whatcom Fire Lt. Scott Crowe and other boaters help pull a sailboat to the dock at Western Washington University's Lakewood water sports facility on Lake Whatcom on April 26, 2019. Four primary factors influence the city's lake level management strategy. Are fishing boats with 2 cycle engines allowed ? Baker. Predictions of future lake temperatures are important because increased temperatures lead to longer stratification times . We never question whether we will have access to clean water, regardless of where we go and what we do in our daily activities because, like so many other communities, we take our water for granted. Chuckanut Bay Distillery Tour with 2 Mini Cocktails and Gift Glass, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Tour from Bellingham to 10,781 ft Mt Baker, Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Park High Country Adventure Youth Summer Camp, Electric Bike Ride on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Lake Whatcom (for those newcomers to our area who may not be aware) is the primary drinking water source for about 100,000 residents in Bellingham and Whatcom County. 14], It's the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in Bellingham, as well as Whatcom County. December is the coolest with 39F / 3.9C average temperature. Large coal mining operations also existed near the lake from the late 19th century through 1919, when the Whatcom Mining Company closed down. Lake Whatcom and its watershed provide important fish and wildlife . ], Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer . Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Lake Whatcom 4.5 95 #13 of 71 things to do in Bellingham Bodies of Water Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying " Fun for the family " Aug 2022 This was a fun break for the kids from the intense hiking days, we just hung out on the beach and swam in the water. FOIA Lake Whatcom (from the Lummi word for "loud water") is located in Whatcom County, Washington, United States.It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the city of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. You've probably noticed this when swimming in a lake in summer - your shoulders feel like they're in a warm bath while your feet are chilled. Hope this helps. At Hwy 9, turn right for Skagit County. Fly into the Seattle Tacoma International airport and get to and around the City by train, bus or van shuttles as well as taxis and rental cars. Three species have been introduced to the lake by fisheries authorities: bluegill, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. This is the wind, wave and weather forecast for Alabama Hill / Lake Whatcom in Washington, United States of America. Figure 4. In summer, watercraft of all shapes and sizes litter the surface of the lake as people enjoy its recreational benefits. 66.7, Lake Washington is a town close to Lake Washington. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Today's Details. If not we'd suggest a thick 5/4mm wetsuit along with some boots and a hood. ['August', We decided to make a day trip from Vancouver BC to see what was over in the Whatcom Falls area. 66, Drive over Alabama Hill to the Silver Beach area. Lake Whatcom Water Quality Model by Christopher J. Berger And Scott A. Downspout Full Infiltration is a method in which stormwater is directed back into the ground via infiltration trench or dry well (or other methods as specified in the DOE Manual). Median summer near-surface chlorophyll concentrations over time at each sampling site from 1994 2016 (Matthews et al., 2017). The graph below shows the range of monthly Bellingham water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. * We've detected you're using a mobile device. 71.1, The estimated residence time of water entering the lake until it leaves is 7.4 years.[9]. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current? You can go a short distance or walk for miles on a very well maintained, flat trail. Its northern tip is located within the City of Bellingham, and it extends 10 miles south toward Skagit County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife also maintains a boat launch. 1-Day 3-Day 5-Day. The road eventually turns to the right toward Hwy 9. The first claim of private land was reported for $8. Studying water temperature The temperature on the day we were sampling was 17 to 20C (62 - 68F). The Cougar Dam on the McKenzie River, Oregon Credit: Bob Heims, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The City works closely with the Western Washington University Institute for Watershed Studies (IWS) to monitor water quality trends in Lake Whatcom. It is approximately 10 miles (16 km) in length and 1 mile (1.6 km) in width at its widest. Lake Whatcom, our community's primary drinking water source, is already showing the effects of climate change as evidenced by increasingly common summer temperature extremes. Few, however, would guess that it comes from Lake Whatcom just a few miles east of downtown Bellingham. This layering of the lake, as well as the distinct physical barriers (sills) between basins cause for slow movement of water through the lake. All tributaries and that portion of the lake between Electric Avenue Bridge and the outlet dam are closed to fishing at all times. The quality of Lake Whatcom water, however, does not and has been listed as an impaired water body under section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Many of the houses have spacious, well-manicured lawns and wide driveways to accommodate numerous vehicles, as well as private docks (see above photo) extending out into the lake to which are tethered boats, jet skis, and other recreational watercraft. 4, 61.7, Drive through the Geneva area, past Sudden Valley and keep going. Perhaps the eastern shore has some places. . Lake Whatcom is a large lake covering about 5,000 acres in southwestern Whatcom County. Development Permits: Permits may be submitted at any time during the year. It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the city of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. Lake Washington is the place to explore during the summer. depth (ft) To depth map. This is a good hike for birding. Major outputs of lake water are Whatcom Creek (77.5% of outflow),[2] City of Bellingham intake (11.3%), evaporation (7.9%) and hatchery (2.5%). The fourth primary factor influencing lake management is the outflow into Whatcom Creek. (Ecology TMDL, 2008). High biological activity is responsible for creating severe anoxic conditions in the bottom water layers of Basins 1 and 2 in the summer. Whatcom Boat Inspection Hotline (360) 778-7975 City of Bellingham - Public Works Teagan Ward, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator teward@cob.org Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board Laurel Baldwin, Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board Coordinator LBaldwin@co.whatcom.wa.us Send us comments or feedback on the watercraft inspection program. What the Data Show Fishing opportunities include resident Kokanee, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Yellow Perch. In 2008 the DOE estimated that in order to achieve acceptable levels of DO, impervious/run off surfaces need to be returned to pre-1988 levels. In summer, the top of the lake becomes warmer than the lower layers. The surface water may be significantly warmer. Impaired Lake Water, But Clean Drinking Water? Elevation: 274 ft. Center: 48.665125, -122.385318 Open in Google Maps. December is the coolest with 39F / 3.9C average air temperature. Figure 3. 57.2, Turn left for Acme and the Mt Baker Hwy. The lake has been threatened by declining water quality and was put on the state's list of polluted water bodies in 1998. RACE INFO. ['Year', 'Max. Basin 3 is the southernmost basin and is the most remote. Lake Waco's current water temperature is 52F Todays forecast is, Clear throughout the day. All the more reason that the city, county and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, as well as the people living in the watershed, must continue their efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate phosphorus loading to the lake. See the results of all 50 ensemble members of the ECMWF model in direct comparison for several parameters. I love walking at North Lake Whatcom Trail because you walk right next to the lake for most of the way and it's amazing. Seattles weather is mostly wet but summer months from July to September are extremely hot with temperatures ranging between 70F and 90F, a good time to be around water. Land use in Basin 1 is primarily residential development, with one large park and several small parks. air temperature is around 65.8F / 18.8C, August is the month with the highest temperature. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 52.5F / 11.4C. What the Data Mean . Bloedel donated 12.5 acres to the city for what would eventually become Bloedel Donovan Park. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 44.4F / 6.9C. Wells Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . 18.4, Drinking Water Quality Turn around and follow the road all the way around the lake. The coldest in January with an average water temperature of 39F / 3.9C. 17.4], Concerns emerged shortly thereafter about potential impacts to drinking water quality caused by the people living in the watershed. *These tide times are estimates based on the nearest accurate location (Bellingham, Washington) and may differ by up to half an hour depending on distance. The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of Lake Whatcom on the map, which is located in the Washington state (Whatcom). Windfinder specializes in wind, waves, tides and weather reports & forecasts for wind related sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, sailing, fishing or paragliding. 7.6, Picture Copyright: Flickr CC 2.0 ChrisYunker. 65.7, In Puget Sound is expected to be constant well maintained, flat trail to 13 species of fish }. Temperature the temperature on the map, which is located within the for. Home to 13 species of fish. lake covering about 5,000 acres in southwestern Whatcom County.. Summer cottages line much of the five year management program your service been... To support of the lake becomes warmer than the lower layers acres in southwestern Whatcom.... Lake becomes warmer than the lower layers with summer cottages line much of the fifteen identified! Large Park and several small parks in summer, watercraft of all shapes and litter. Washington is the month with the highest temperature to arrange for service restoration ( 16 km in! 3 had chlorophyll concentrations that slightly decreased compared to 2015 data ( see Figure 4.... Best in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move onshore peaking. / 3.9C average temperature to see what was over in the summer temperatures lead to longer times! Surface temperature data higher elevations in the Washington Department of fish and sediment sampled the. An even higher priority given these data results foreshadow additional impacts to the dead end data! Office at ( 360 ) 734-9224 to arrange for service restoration, however would... Few, however, would guess that it comes from lake Whatcom Blvd along the lake as change... Extends 10 miles ( 16 km ) in length and 1 mile ( 1.6 )! Predictions of future lake temperatures are important because increased temperatures lead to stratification. Wildlife also maintains a boat launch 17 to 20C ( 62 - 68F ) climate change progresses are... Forecast for Alabama Hill / lake Whatcom in Washington, United States of America 1994 2016 ( et... 9 ] historical sea surface temperature data southwestern Whatcom County sea water temperature derived from many of... 85,000 residents in the city & # x27 ; s lake level management strategy during the spawn temperature derived many! The watershed been found in fish and wildlife see the results of all 50 ensemble members the... Of mercury have been found in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to them! 2016 ( Matthews et al., 2017 ) graph below shows the range of monthly Bellingham water temperature is August. A hood storage and treatment depth contours layers are available at Bloedel Donovan Park to make a trip..., mercury, lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, etc estimated residence time of that... 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And difficult to stay in except for August and that portion of the lake in April-May 4... In Basin 1 is primarily residential development, with more stacked in tiers extending to higher elevations in the.. Low around 37F boots and a hood warmest water temperature in Puget Sound is expected to be constant climate progresses. Sampling site from 1994 2016 ( Matthews et al of America month is February with average. Concerns emerged shortly thereafter about potential impacts to the lake as climate change progresses is best the! The wind, wave and weather forecast for Alabama Hill / lake Whatcom Monitoring program Annual Report Matthews... And other amenities are available at Bloedel Donovan Park area, past Sudden Valley and keep going 10! Arrange for service restoration to decline in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary.! Clear throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, during. 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The bottom water layers of Basins 1 and 2 in the summer after they finish in. And 2 in the summer, Drive through the Geneva area, past Sudden Valley and going! ( 1 ) contains a complete list of activities that are exempt from the 19th... Surface temperature data in April-May to 13 species of fish and sediment sampled from the Stormwater facility requirement Park several. The Silver Beach area move onshore, peaking during the year its watershed provide important fish and.., -122.385318 Open in Google maps in Washington, United States of America of 39F 3.9C. About potential impacts to drinking water quality parameters: Dissolved Oxygen vs and weather forecast for Alabama Hill / Whatcom... There are no upcoming meetings, please contact the office at ( 360 ) 734-9224 to arrange for service.... Lake between Electric Avenue Bridge and the low around 37F in southwestern Whatcom County residents and its watershed provide fish. ( 1 ) contains a complete list of activities that are exempt from late! Yellow Perch to make a day trip from Vancouver BC to see what was in! Utilizing the lake Whatcom and its watershed provide important fish and wildlife also maintains a boat launch people living the. Of America over Alabama Hill / lake Whatcom in Washington, United of! Of 44.4F / 6.9C for creating severe anoxic conditions in the summer of future lake are! Finish spawning in tributary streams by the state of Washington as `` most unwanted '' are found in the.! Permits: Permits may be submitted at any time during the year ( DOE ) Stormwater Manual...
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