Is Suttle Lake safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Suttle Lake in Jefferson County, Oregon is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 319,154 cells/mL of blue-green algae on June 20, 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

Suttle Lake is a lake in Jefferson County, Oregon. Satellite imagery measured 319,154 cells/mL of blue-green algae on June 20, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold.

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 6 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Suttle Lake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 5 of them, most recently in June 2025. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 574,835 cells/mL in September 2024.

Is it safe to swim in Suttle Lake right now?

Suttle Lake is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 319,154 cells/mL of blue-green algae on June 20, 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 Suttle Lake have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 319,154 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Suttle Lake on June 20, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory level. Avoid swimming and keep children and pets out of the water.

Can dogs swim in Suttle Lake?

No. Blue-green algae at Suttle Lake is above the safe-contact threshold (319,154 cells/mL on June 20, 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 Suttle Lake have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 6 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Suttle Lake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 5 of them, most recently in June 2025. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 574,835 cells/mL in September 2024.

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 Suttle 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 Suttle Lake, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.