This space will provide periodic news about the Loop, such as any new hazards, construction, shallowness of the water, debris in the water, weather damage, new policies, etc. If anyone has new or important observations about the Loop, please contact mark@acrossthelakeswim.com, so your information can be added to this site.
The newest open water swim course is now waiting for you at Cedar Creek Park! The parking is free, the water is deeper, and the 1200m loop is slightly bigger than Gyro’s 800m loop. Check out the website at: cedarcreekswimloop.com.
It should come as no surprise that the record-setting “heat-dome” that settled over BC last week has warmed up the lake like never before–as high as 28°C–just like the average indoor, heated swimming pool! You won’t need a wetsuit to swim in the lake these days!
Unfortunately, the very dry spring we had has meant that Okanagan Lake did not come within even one foot of “full pool”, so that the normal summer lake drop has come sooner than expected. Swimmers on the Gyro Loop have noticed that their arm strokes are already touching the sand as they swim across the loop, a situation that is not usually noticed until August, when the swim season is winding down.
If you prefer swimming deeper water, you could swim along the outer buoys, then along the Manteo Mile, and then along the buoys in front of the Eldorado marina; however, since it is the height of boating season, you should only consider swimming such a course very early in the morning, as you will otherwise encounter boat traffic. Swim this at your own risk!
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic, with the cancellation of almost every outdoor swimming, running and triathlon event this summer, informal swimming in the lake with others in your bubble has continued largely unimpeded. In fact, the Gyro Swim Loop has been busier than ever, with swim clubs, triathlon clubs, and small informal groups swimming regularly here, as an alternative to pool swimming, which has been either unavailable or significantly restricted all summer. And although the parking lot is well used in the morning, isn’t it great that you don’t have to pay for parking if you get out of the water by 9AM?
So it is now September, and we are heading into an exceptionally warm Labor day weekend (air temperatures of 30°C+ will keep the water warm), so the season will continue for at least a few more weeks, with water temperatures staying above 20°C. It has been a well kept secret that September swims are some of the best–the lake loses most of its boat traffic, there are less people crowding the beaches, the kids are back in school (or not?) and the water is still summer-warm. Just keep in mind that air temperatures first thing in the morning are dropping off somewhat, so ironically, it is the air temperature, more than the water temperature, that will feel cold. So, wearing a wetsuit at this time of the year makes sense.
Enjoy your last flings at the lake! Once you stop, you will not likely be back for at least 8 months!
As of today, the lake level sits at 342.641 metres (above sea level). Yesterday, it was at 342.624 metres and we have had some rain, with more to come.
“Full pool” sits at 342.48 metres, and so we are 16cm (about 3 inches) above that. The record high, which was set on June 9, 2017, was 343.251 metres.
Regarding temperature, we have reached 16°C for the first time this year today, after hovering between 12°C and 14°C for the last several weeks as the cold snow melt reaches the lake from the the various snowsheds. There is still more to come from Mission Creek, so we are not done rising yet, especially as there is more rain and unsettled weather still coming our way.
The Manteo Mile 150m buoy has been located (on the beach nearby), so once the lake turbidity settles down enough to see the bottom, we will be able to relocate its anchor and re-attach it. The Manteo Mile swim is great right now–no weeds at all!
The last 2-3 weeks has seen Lake Okanagan filling up fast with waters from a significant snowpack this year, compounded with some seasonal rain. And although the water temperatures are still cool–hovering between 12°C-14°C, depending on the weather and the time of day–lots of pent up swimmers are already giving the Loop a go. Are YOU ready to take the plunge?
A couple of tips, especially for those not well insulated, or who feel the cold more than most:
The Manteo Mile is open and functional, although you may need to be aware of some drift wood in the water in places. And it is important to note that the 150m buoy is gone! Anyone seen it? Please contact mark@acrossthelakeswim.com if you know if its whereabouts.
This space will provide periodic news about the Loop, such as any new hazards, construction, shallowness of the water, debris in the water, weather damage, new policies, etc. If anyone has new or important observations about the Loop, please contact mark@acrossthelakeswim.com, so your information can be added to this site.
The newest open water swim course is now waiting for you at Cedar Creek Park! The parking is free, the water is deeper, and the 1200m loop is slightly bigger than Gyro’s 800m loop. Check out the website at: cedarcreekswimloop.com.
It should come as no surprise that the record-setting “heat-dome” that settled over BC last week has warmed up the lake like never before–as high as 28°C–just like the average indoor, heated swimming pool! You won’t need a wetsuit to swim in the lake these days!
Unfortunately, the very dry spring we had has meant that Okanagan Lake did not come within even one foot of “full pool”, so that the normal summer lake drop has come sooner than expected. Swimmers on the Gyro Loop have noticed that their arm strokes are already touching the sand as they swim across the loop, a situation that is not usually noticed until August, when the swim season is winding down.
If you prefer swimming deeper water, you could swim along the outer buoys, then along the Manteo Mile, and then along the buoys in front of the Eldorado marina; however, since it is the height of boating season, you should only consider swimming such a course very early in the morning, as you will otherwise encounter boat traffic. Swim this at your own risk!
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic, with the cancellation of almost every outdoor swimming, running and triathlon event this summer, informal swimming in the lake with others in your bubble has continued largely unimpeded. In fact, the Gyro Swim Loop has been busier than ever, with swim clubs, triathlon clubs, and small informal groups swimming regularly here, as an alternative to pool swimming, which has been either unavailable or significantly restricted all summer. And although the parking lot is well used in the morning, isn’t it great that you don’t have to pay for parking if you get out of the water by 9AM?
So it is now September, and we are heading into an exceptionally warm Labor day weekend (air temperatures of 30°C+ will keep the water warm), so the season will continue for at least a few more weeks, with water temperatures staying above 20°C. It has been a well kept secret that September swims are some of the best–the lake loses most of its boat traffic, there are less people crowding the beaches, the kids are back in school (or not?) and the water is still summer-warm. Just keep in mind that air temperatures first thing in the morning are dropping off somewhat, so ironically, it is the air temperature, more than the water temperature, that will feel cold. So, wearing a wetsuit at this time of the year makes sense.
Enjoy your last flings at the lake! Once you stop, you will not likely be back for at least 8 months!
As of today, the lake level sits at 342.641 metres (above sea level). Yesterday, it was at 342.624 metres and we have had some rain, with more to come.
“Full pool” sits at 342.48 metres, and so we are 16cm (about 3 inches) above that. The record high, which was set on June 9, 2017, was 343.251 metres.
Regarding temperature, we have reached 16°C for the first time this year today, after hovering between 12°C and 14°C for the last several weeks as the cold snow melt reaches the lake from the the various snowsheds. There is still more to come from Mission Creek, so we are not done rising yet, especially as there is more rain and unsettled weather still coming our way.
The Manteo Mile 150m buoy has been located (on the beach nearby), so once the lake turbidity settles down enough to see the bottom, we will be able to relocate its anchor and re-attach it. The Manteo Mile swim is great right now–no weeds at all!
The last 2-3 weeks has seen Lake Okanagan filling up fast with waters from a significant snowpack this year, compounded with some seasonal rain. And although the water temperatures are still cool–hovering between 12°C-14°C, depending on the weather and the time of day–lots of pent up swimmers are already giving the Loop a go. Are YOU ready to take the plunge?
A couple of tips, especially for those not well insulated, or who feel the cold more than most:
The Manteo Mile is open and functional, although you may need to be aware of some drift wood in the water in places. And it is important to note that the 150m buoy is gone! Anyone seen it? Please contact mark@acrossthelakeswim.com if you know if its whereabouts.
