lake turnig over?

[sticksnstrings]

We were up at minnewaska spearing today, set up of the ballroom in about 8ft, water was very murky and visability was about 4ft, had a few small ones in and missed some larger shadows that magicaly appeard out of nowhere next to decoy,anyway we were talking with one of the locals and he said that  a week ago the water was alot clearer and the lake had just turned over and hasnt settled yet. i have heard this term many times before and in all honesty have no freakin clue what it means except it screws up the water clarity? any short versions as to how this happens?

[lentz]

stirs water so its more of a equal temp i belive

[bonecollecter82]

Off the DNR website
■The key to this question is how water density varies with water temperature. Water is most dense (heaviest) at 39º F (4º C) and as temperature increases or decreases from 39º F, it becomes increasingly less dense (lighter). In summer and winter, lakes are maintained by climate in what is called a stratified condition. Less dense water is at the surface and more dense water is near the bottom.
■During late summer and autumn, air temperatures cool the surface water causing its density to increase. The heavier water sinks, forcing the lighter, less dense water to the surface. This continues until the water temperature at all depths reaches approximately 39º F. Because there is very little difference in density at this stage, the waters are easily mixed by the wind. The sinking action and mixing of the water by the wind results in the exchange of surface and bottom waters which is called "turnover."
■During spring, the process reverses itself. This time ice melts, and surface waters warm and sink until the water temperature at all depths reaches approximately 39º F. The sinking combined with wind mixing causes spring "turnover."

[spear foot 1]

Give a week or so and usually they settle out again, although last year a lake I normally spear would be good for a couple days and then be thick green scum for a day or to. That went on all winter .

[FireRanger]

The wind as it says will churn the water even if it's frozen on top. I think the pressure on the ice compresses the water beneath it causing it to stir. I would imagine this is what causes the murky water for you all season long on most lakes. But as it states it will settle out again after a few days (if the wind dies down).

[spear foot 1]

 Was on waska yesterday and she is stirred  up. Was thinking about spearing there but it will be a while. Guess the sunfish will have to do for now out there. But there has to be someting with weeds or something to. Yes I know wind will do it to but I have to lakes side by side here and depths and size similar and lake shore so the wind should affect them pretty much the same  but one is crystal clear and the other is pea soup, In fact the two lakes are connected.

[FireRanger]

I think weeds will affect it like you said slowing down the current under the ice..??? Sounds like it would make sense. Or if there are more weeds in one and less in the other then it may make the water clarity increase or decrease depending on what stage of decay/growth the weed structure may be in.  Good question..