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  1. Small lakes data and info
  2. Lake Information Page

Lake Information Page

Lake Walker

Lake Photo Image
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We are currently looking for a volunteer to monitor Lake Walker. Call 206-296-8008 if you are interested.

Vital Statistics

Watershed Area 149 acres
Lake surface area 12 acres
Maximum depth 54 feet
Mean depth feet
Public Park No
Boat Ramp Yes, no gas engines
Fish Present stocked rainbow

Overview

Volunteer monitoring began at Walker Lake in 2000, resumed in 2004 and continued through 2006. It was not monitored in 2007. The data suggest that this lake is relatively low in primary productivity (oligotrophic, close to mesotrophic) with very good water quality.

Profile data show thermal stratification is constant through summer, and sedimentary phosphorus release adds significantly to deep water concentrations. Nitrogen to phosphorus ratios in the upper water are above 20:1, which generally favors other algal species over bluegreens. Walker Lake has a public access boat launch, and residents should keep a close eye on aquatic plants growing nearshore to catch early infestations of Eurasian milfoil, Brazilian elodea, and other aquatic noxious weeds.

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Maps

bathymetric map
lake watershed map
This bathymetric map shows contour lines of equal depth, similar to a topographic map would for mountains and valleys. The red 'X' marks the location where water quality samples are taken.
This map shows the area of the watershed relative to the area of the lake. Generally speaking, the larger a watershed is relative to a lake, the greater the influence land use practices on lake water quality.

Click image to enlarge

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Water Quality Data  

Through a combination of efforts by volunteer lake monitors and King County staff, data relating to physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the lake have been collected for most lakes. The King County Lake Stewardship Program analyzes data to track long-term water quality trends in small lakes in western King County.

View or Download Data
Use this tool to view or download data from the lake in tabular format. You can define date ranges and select which parameters to view or download.

Chart Data
Use the charting tool to look at graphs showing single parameters for a single water year at a time.

Water quality over time
A common method of tracking water quality trends in lakes is by calculating the “trophic state index” (TSI) (Carlson, 1977) and testing the values for positive or negative trends over time. TSI indicators predict the biological productivity of the lake based on water clarity (Secchi) and concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll a (Chlor). Generally at least 8 years of data without major lake management activities are needed to have confidence in a significant trend.

The average of these three TSI indicators during the growing season can be used to place lakes in one of three broad categories:
<40 = oligotrophic (low productivity),
40 to 50 = mesotrophic (moderate productivity)
>50 = eutrophic (highly productive).

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Reports and Related Links



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For questions about lakes in King County, please contact lakes@kingcounty.gov or call the Water and Land Resources Division front desk at 206-477-4800.