Is Weiss Lake safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Weiss Lake in Cherokee County, Alabama is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 397,542 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.1 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Weiss Lake is a lake in Cherokee County, Alabama covering about 39.9 sq mi, the 3rd-largest of the 17 lakes SwimZone monitors in Alabama. Satellite imagery measured 397,542 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Larger, warmer waters like this can hold a bloom for weeks once nutrients and calm weather line up.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common from midsummer into early fall, when the water is warm, calm, and rich in nutrients from runoff. They can produce toxins that make people sick and can be rapidly fatal to dogs, so skip water that looks green, scummy, or like spilled paint, and keep children and pets out of it.

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Weiss Lake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 905,030 cells/mL in September 2022.

Is it safe to swim in Weiss Lake right now?

Weiss Lake is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 397,542 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Conditions can change quickly with wind, heat, and rain, so check the posted signs and look at the water before you get in.

Does Weiss Lake have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 397,542 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Weiss Lake on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory level. Avoid swimming and keep children and pets out of the water.

Can dogs swim in Weiss Lake?

No. Blue-green algae at Weiss Lake is above the safe-contact threshold (397,542 cells/mL on July 19, 2026). Cyanobacteria toxins can be rapidly fatal to dogs, which swallow it while swimming and lick it from their fur. Keep dogs out of the water and away from any scum along the shore.

How often does Weiss Lake have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Weiss Lake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 905,030 cells/mL in September 2022.

How many Alabama lakes and beaches are unsafe for swimming today?

Today, 4 Alabama waters are above a safe-contact threshold and 0 more warrant caution, out of 45 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Weiss Lake's water quality measured?

SwimZone builds this read from EPA CyAN satellite imagery for blue-green algae, official beach and fecal-bacteria advisories where a program monitors Weiss Lake, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.