Is Lake Abert safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Lake Abert in Lake County, Oregon is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 139,169 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.0 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Lake Abert is a lake in Lake County, Oregon covering about 58 sq mi, the 3rd-largest of the 115 lakes SwimZone monitors in Oregon. Satellite imagery measured 139,169 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, Lake Abert has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 1 of them, most recently in August 2023. Blooms here have been occasional rather than annual. Its highest recorded reading was 625,897 cells/mL in August 2023.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Abert right now?

Lake Abert is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 139,169 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 Lake Abert have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 139,169 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Lake Abert 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 Lake Abert?

No. Blue-green algae at Lake Abert is above the safe-contact threshold (139,169 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 Lake Abert have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Lake Abert has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 1 of them, most recently in August 2023. Blooms here have been occasional rather than annual. Its highest recorded reading was 625,897 cells/mL in August 2023.

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

Today, 31 Oregon waters are above a safe-contact threshold and 1 more warrant caution, out of 213 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Lake Abert'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 Lake Abert, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.