Lake Lanier hits full winter pool

GAINESVILLE - Slowly but steadily, the level of Lake Lanier has reached full winter pool of 1070-feet above sea level.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, which tracks lake levels around the region on a continual basis, the lake hit the full pool mark at 7:15 Tuesday night. As of 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, the level was 1070.05, inching toward the full pool mark for summer.

That level is 1071, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feels confident the lake will reach that mark by May 1, which they consider the start of summer on their calendar.

More rain is forecast for the week across north Georgia, so it is likely the water will continue its rise.

Because rain has fallen across lower parts of the basin, sustaining water levels along the Chattachoochee River, the Corps has no plans at this point to increase release amounts from Lanier.

The level of Lanier has risen 13 feet since December.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.