MOBILE, Ala. - The Corps of Engineers said Tuesday that North Georgia's drought has left Lake Lanier lower than normal-three feet to be exact-and unless the area receives significant rainfall drought conditions will only worsen.
"Normally, the late winter and spring rains raise the lake to the summer pool level of 1071 mean sea level. However, conditions have been unusually dry and the lake level is approximately three feet below the normal for this time of year. During April the lake only received 39 percent of the historical inflow. ," said Patrick Robbins, Chief of Public Affairs. "Fortunately, adequate flows in the lower basin and the Flint River have provided the required flows to meet downstream endangered species and fish spawning requirements."
"This has allowed us to release the minimum required to meet water quality needs downstream, thus preserving as much water in the lake as possible. The corps has developed action zones based on past operations to cover events such as droughts to manage water demands in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint basin. The lake is currently operating in Action Zone 1."
The lack of rainfall will have greater impact on the lake in late summer. The current level 1068.38 has seen small fluctuations over the last month. As summer approaches, water demands will increase and the lake level will decrease. When this happens, the resource management office will implement the Plan for Low Water Levels at three stages. This plan explains the conditions that affect recreation and actions that will be taken.
"Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose reservoir and the corps must manage the lake to balance the demands for hydropower, navigation, fish and wildlife and recreation," Robbins said. "The first impact from the lower pool will be felt by the recreation community."
The first thing visitors will notice when the lake approaches Action Zone 2, is the lower water levels in designated swim areas. Normally, a designated swim area is 6-7 feet at the deepest point. Currently, the deepest point in the swim areas is approximately 3-4 feet.
"The cool lake water looks inviting to swimmers; however, it is much risker to swim outside the designated areas," Robbins said. "The swim beaches are groomed to have an even surface. There are no sudden, deep drop-offs or submerged obstacles."
Boat ramps are expected to remain open for the season. Boaters can continue to enjoy the center of the lake, but should exercise caution when boating near the shoreline, and they should also be sure to wear their life jackets when boating. "Wearing a life jacket can save your life," Robbins said. "It is an extra precaution boaters should take whenever they are enjoying the lake."
Lake Lanier has the mission to manage resources for hydropower, flood control, recreation, water quality and supply, fish and wildlife as well as support to navigation. Mobile District has developed Action Zones to ensure the lake's missions can be met.
Descriptions of the Action Zones are as follows:
Zone 1 indicates that releases can be made in support of seasonal navigation (when the channel has been adequately maintained), hydropower releases and water quality releases. If the all corps lakes on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee -Flint waterway are in Zone 1 or above, the river system would operate in a fairly normal manner. Designated swim areas are open, but the water level is approximately 3-4 feet at the deepest point in the designated swim area vice the usual 6-7 feet depth. Boat ramps are not affected.
Zone 2 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met. Some designated swim areas are unusable. Most of the boat ramps are open. Navigation aids may be posted to remind boaters to use caution when operating near the shoreline and to be aware of potential submerged obstacles.
Zone 3 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be significantly limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met. Most designated swim areas are unusable. Most boat ramps are open. Navigation aids may be posted to remind boaters to use caution when operating near the shoreline and to be aware of potential submerged obstacles.
Zone 4 indicates that navigation is not supported. Hydropower demands will be met at minimum level and may only occur for concurrent uses. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met. Designated swim areas are unusable. Many boat ramps become unusable in early fall. Navigation aids may be posted to remind boater to use caution when operating near the shoreline and to be aware of potential submerged obstacles.
Saturday
March 15th, 2025
10:18PM
