This question is one I have pondered for some time. Which clears up quicker after a lake muddies up, colder water or warmer water? I know there's gotta be someone who paid attention in high school or college better than I did. This subject may have come before, but since it's been sometime since we've had muddy water here in NTex in the wintertime.

Trackerman,

Cold water is denser than warm water so any particulates in it, organic or inorganic, will suspend longer.

It is just one of many factors and not the largest contributor to water clarity.

The material forming the bottom of the lake, say limestone versus a clay bottom, makes a huge difference. And, the size of a lake's watershed makes a huge difference.

Compare a lake like Possum Kingdom or Wheeler Branch, both hot spots for divers, to the muddier lakes here near Fort Worth for other clues.

This year, by the way, had record rainfall and that equals record run-off so lakes, all lakes, should be murkier than usual.

Brad

Theoretically, with all other variables held constant, the warmer water should clear faster. But, I don't think it would be something you could visually observe on a lake and point to temperature as being the reason behind one side clearing faster than the other. Like Brad said, there are other factors that would play a much larger role in the settling of suspended material.

Thanks guys.I knew someone had an answer that makes sense.