Greg Allard Reports: Lake Okeechobee Crossing West to East
On Monday February 24 we crossed Lake Okeechobee from west to east. The Corps of Engineers reported that the navigation depth on Navigation Route 1 (straight across the open part of lake) was 6.73′.
Here are the actual depths we found, based on our calibrated depth finder.
Please note, these were the depths at precisely the locations where our boat was located when we made the readings, which means that if your boat was 5 or 10 feet either side of our path, the depths may very well not be the same. We are providing these for general reference and not for navigational reliance.
Traveling from west to east, starting at Clewiston, here are the shallowest depths we found: These are not depth under keel but total water depth.
From marker 9A to marker 5: 8.3’
Between markers 5 & 4: 9.0’ (This area has been commented on frequently, by people who have had trouble there)
From markers 4 to 2: 9’
Between markers 1 & 2: 7.5’ (with a nano-second reading at 7.2’, which may have been an anomaly.)
Between markers 1 and 15: 7.9’
We followed approximately 15 prior tracks we had recorded over the route above. Of course, not each track could not be exactly over the prior ones.
The most important thing in traveling the outer (east) open water part of the Clewiston cut, is at all costs to avoid drifting sideways, or being blown out of the channel. As you travel between markers, keep looking aft to make sure you are running a straight path between markers. Remember, the bottom in this area is unforgiving: it is all rock.
Actually the shallowest water we encountered was just before we entered the lock chamber (east bound) at Port Mayaca, at the western end of the lock. We observed depths there of 7.6’. The dockmaster had advised us to “stay near to the green markers” which lead into the lake from the west end of the lock. Other cruisers have reported the same advice.
A reminder: Don’t try to cross the lake in any sustained winds from the north through east. Such conditions will pile up waves in the SW corner of the lake (near Clewiston). Waves of 2-3’ will reduce the water available to you in the Clewiston cut. Strong sustained winds from the S are equally problematic, since they blow the water in the lake to the north, once again reducing the water depth in the SW corner.
Greg Allard
M/V Meander
Crossing Lake Okeechobee is worth the challenges.
Along the edge of the Caloosahatchee River, this old wooden fishing boat has been sitting on her bones in this spot for over a decade. She has survived hurricanes, yet still has a bit of pride.
Sunrise in LaBelle, Florida, along the Okeechobee Waterway. These four trees are almost dead, but their drapings of Spanish moss have given them new life.
Be the first to comment!