Detroit Lake is one of the most popular lakes in our state. And when you're up there, it's easy to see why. It's a beautiful lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and beautiful forests, and...noticing a theme? =)

The problem is, there's a problem up at the lake right now. A blue-green algae bloom has developed, and it's floating about on certain areas of the lake. It may have developed because of all the warm sunshine we've seen over the past few days.

The forestry officials I spoke with today said to avoid the algae...because swallowing water that has algae in it...can be deadly. And just being in contact with that algae-laced water can cause an allergic skin reaction. So...clearly...it's best to avoid the algae.

But what's it look like? Usually it causes the water to be cloudy, and the individual algae chunks seemed to sparkle in the sunlight when I saw them up there today. So...if you see sparkling, cloudy water...there's your algae. It also tends to become a blue-greenish color when it is most toxic. Hence the name.

So, bottom line, you can still enjoy the lake...as long as you're avoiding those areas that have this algae...and don't drink the water, regardless of where you are on the lake. If you have any questions about it feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

Have a good weekend!

Posted by KGW Meteorologist Joe Michaels at 6:20 PM | Permalink

Memorial Day...and a big holiday weekend...is right around the corner! The weather is looking pretty nice for the weekend with some sunshine on the horizon, and only a small chance of some quick showers.

If you're looking for something to do, ample opportunities can be found throughout our region! Some things you may be thinking of...

Perhaps you'll shoot to the coast...Cannon Beach is always a nice spot. It will be partly sunny there on Saturday and Sunday, but by Monday a mostly sunny sky will return. Along the coast highs will be in the 60s through the holiday weekend, and lows will be in the 40s. (Below photo courtesy Captain Hops)

Another fun activity that may be tempting you...some hiking in the gorge. It will be breezy in the gorge on Saturday and Sunday. Overall, though, expect fairly pleasant conditions there, with some limited sunshine through Saturday and Sunday and a lot of sun returning by Memorial Day itself. Highs will be in the 70s. Lows will be near 50. (Below photo courtesy Travel Oregon)

Or perhaps you'll just be staying local, and enjoying Washington Park or the Oregon Zoo. Expect partly sunny conditions in the valleys through Saturday and Sunday, and a mostly sunny Memorial Day. High temperatures will be in the lower 70s, and overnight lows will hover near 50. (Below photo courtesy We Go Places)

Whatever you decide to do over the extended weekend, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Posted by KGW Meteorologist Joe Michaels at 12:21 PM | Permalink

Some of you probably have allergies to one thing or another. If you're allergic to grass pollen, you should probably be getting ready to sneeze and sniffle! Our region is beautiful, but our ample rain and mild climate allows grass to grow well. And large grass farms and grass crops all across our region produce lots...and lots...of grass pollen. In fact, the concentration of grass pollen is about to really shoot up...and it will peak in the early part of June.

The reason grass allergies can be so intense is that a grain of grass pollen can actually break up into tiny little parts...and those parts are small enough to get past air filters and into our homes...places where our allergies would typically be a bit more bearable.

You can actually see what a grain of grass pollen looks like in this picture.

At least we get to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country! Dealing with allergies seems like a decent trade off...right? =)

Posted by KGW Meteorologist Joe Michaels at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)