Both LEA buoys have been removed from the water and are stored for the winter. We will return them to their lake locations in the spring. Data from 2022 is available below.
Select buoy location to view data:
What are they?
These two automated testing buoys are part of a suite of advanced monitoring initiatives undertaken by LEA to better understand lakes and the factors that affect water quality in real time. Following ice-out in the spring, these buoys are deployed on Highland Lake and Long Lake and continuously monitor oxygen and temperature concentrations throughout the water column. They also measure chlorophyll, which indicates how much algae is present in the water and the Highland Buoy has light sensors in and above the water to measure clarity. On top of the Highland buoy is a weather station that monitors wind, temperature, precipitation and barometric pressure. The data is stored on internal computers and sent back to LEA every 15 minutes through cellular signals. Both buoys are powered by 3, 10-watt solar panels and a rechargeable battery. The data from the buoys are also coupled with another weather station LEA operates on Highland Ridge.
What do they do?
This information allows us to map out oxygen and temperature concentrations throughout the growing season which is important in understanding the factors that control algae growth as well as internal lake structure and mixing. Tying the data to weather conditions lets us see the effects of wind, precipitation and storm events in real time – thus allowing for a better understanding and explanation of conditions in the lake.
