Dane County's INFOS: Integrated Nowcast/Forecast Operation System for Yahara Lakes contains more hydrologic information than the website above. HELPFUL LINKS FOR BOATERS ON MADISON WATERS
The information below provided some back ground information
for the links in the menu to the left.
Weather
- This Wunderground website provides real-time weather information for the Madison area.
- Click on Radar and choose to animate it.
- By noting the timing of the animation loop an estimate for the arrival time of inclement weather weather can be made,
- Allow plenty of time to get off the water and to shelter.
- Keep in mind - LIGHTNING can easily travel 10 miles from a storm and has been known to travel up to 50 miles!
- Check out the links to WEATHER in Madison and throughout the nation from NOAA, including Hazardous Weather Outlooks.
- Check out the SKYCAMS.
|
Lake Mendota Buoy
- The buoy provides real-time data on wind direction and speed, air temperature, and water temperature, among other data.
- Wind Direction and Speed
- sets up wave heights and direction
- boaters must compensate when making way to maintain correct course
- when not underway:
- anchor properly so boat doesn't drift
- when swimming off boat, either anchor or leave one person on board who knows how to pilot the boat; boats can drift away very quickly
- can change from relatively calm to high velocity within minutes in the Madison area
- Air Temperature
- cold air in spring and fall, in the evening, and even when cloudy can become uncomfortable, especially with wind; dress in layers
- hot temperatures and high humidity can create life-threatening situations in summer
- stay hydrated and be aware of how you feel; you can go downhill so fast as to not be able to get off the water
- do not drink alcohol or diet pop as they cause dehydration; the best is to combine 1:1 water and sports drink - you get twice the water and still get the electrolytes
- if possible, make shade on your boat
- Water Temperatures
- cold water temperatures in spring and fall can create life-threatening situations; even summer water temperatures in the Upper Midwest can be problematic
- within minutes, long before hypothermia sets in, mental and physical impairments occur that make you unable to help yourself
- sudden immersion in cold water triggers a gasping reflex. If this reflex occurs with head underwater, drowning is imminent. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!! Not only will it keep you warmer in the boat, it will keep you warmer in the water, and when the gasping reflex occurs, the life jacket can help your head stay above water, dramatically decreasing the likelihood of drowning. Besides, putting on a life jacket in water is too challenging when you need to be concentrating on other things.
- Be aware that even if air temperature is very warm on any given day, the water temperature can still be cold.
- See our section on Cold-Water Immersion under Helpful Tips for Boaters
|
Dane County Lake Levels
- A simplified presentation of lake levels can be found on the Dane County Land and Water Resources Dept website.
- Dane County's INFOS: Integrated Nowcast/Forecast Operation System for the Yahara Lakes contains more hydrologic information than the website above. Some may be of interest to you, such as:
- beaches
- water quality
- river info for rivers that flow into the lakes
- dams/locks
- etc
|
Stream Gages
- Stream gages are placed nationwide and maintained by the US Geological Survey.
- Gages provide real-time data on stream height, discharge, and velocity.
- The gage on the East Main Street bridge on the Yahara River can be used to determine if boats can get under the Williamson ("Willy") Street bridge, depending on boat characteristics. Be sure to pass under the center of the bridge to have the greatest clearance.
|
