Lake Apthorpe

Lake Apthorpe is a mucky 'transition' type lake (though relatively deep) located northeast of the Town of Lake Placid.  Lakewatch data indicate that water quality is fair for a lake of this type, primarily due to relatively high levels of nitrogen.  Phosphorus levels are very low for a transition type lake, ranging from 7 to 20 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 11 ppb, with typical seasonal fluctuations in concentration.  Nitrogen levels fluctuate much more dramatically than phosphorus and concentrations range from 890 to 2180 ppb, averaging 1413 ppb.  Typical values for a lake of this type range from 700 to 1300 ppb N.  Algae levels, as measured by chlorophyll concentration, are relatively low for a transition lake in spite of high nitrogen levels because phosphorus levels are so low.  Chlorophyll ranges from 3 to 24 ppb and averages 10 ppb.  Low levels of algae result in a relatively high degree of water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, for a transition type lake.  Secchi depths range from 4 to 10 feet and average 6 feet.  There are few homes around this lake, which is a popular location for boat racing.  Click here to view water quality graphs by year.

The boat ramp on Lake Apthorpe is on the south end of the lake at the end of Cemetery Road.

Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002

Lakewatch water quality data through 1999