Lake Lanier at highest level in nearly 2 years

GAINESVILLE - With recent rains, Lake Lanier is at its highest level in almost two years.

Above-average rainfall has brought the lake's level to within 4.10 feet of full pool - its optimum operating level. The last time the lake was this high was July 26, 2011.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Friday that it has suspended drought operations for the river system.

"We have been in drought operations since May 1, 2012," E. Patrick Robbins, Chief Public Affairs, Mobile District said.

"With all the recent rains the composite conservation storage in the basin moved into Zone 1 in late February which now triggers a return to normal operations."

Joanna Cloud, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association, says the rising water is a bit of inconvenience for property owners because they have to keep adjusting their docks. However, she said that is "an inconvenience people are happy to have."

Friday's lake level of 1066.90 (as of 12:00 p.m.) is in sharp contrast to conditions two months ago, when the lake fell to 13 feet below full pool, its lowest level in three years. Gainesville recorded 6.12 inches of rain in the month of February, according to gauges at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.