Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The water level at Lake Lanier continues to decline as drought conditions persists throughout the southeast.



As of Thursday, Sept. 22, the lake was at about 1062 feet above mean sea level (msl).

That is 8 feet below full pool of 1,071.

As the weekend approaches, the National Weather Service did predict showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm for the Forsyth County area, but the rainfall amounts will be between a quarter and half of an inch, nearly not enough to significantly affect levels at Lake Lanier.

Lower lake levels have caused the Corps to curtail some of its operations.

Permit requests for new private docks and upgrades to existing private docks will not be accepted until the lake level rises above 1064 (msl).

"This is in accordance with the Lake Lanier Low Water Action Plan and is an action we have had to take several times in the past under similar drought conditions.We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but it is important to be able to properly address requests with adequate water to make informed decisions," said Lisa Coghlan, deputy public affairs officer.

The Corps advises boaters to take extra precaution due to lower lake levels.

Boaters should be especially observant for underwater obstructions such as shallow areas, rocks, stumps and trees.

For additional information contact the Corps at 770-945-9531. For daily lake level information call 770-945-1467. Thirty-day lake level forecasts and historical lake level information can be viewed on the Corps water management website http://water.sam.usace.army.mil.

Labels: Lake Lanier, water levels, Water Restrictions

Lake Lanier, already low due to lack of rain, will get even lower, say officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The lake, which provides drinking water to much of the Atlanta area, is currently at 1063.9 feet above sea level, about 7 feet below full pool.

For the next few weeks, engineers will be opening the gates at Buford Dam to send more water downstream, which will further drop the lake level.

"Due to the declining inflows and increased lake evaporation, augmentation from the lakes will be required to maintain minimum flows in the Chattahoochee and Apalachicola Rivers unless weather conditions change," said the Corps' E. Patrick Robbins in a press release.

“We expect, if there are no changes in weather patterns, to see a decline in reservoir levels at Lake Lanier, West Point Lake and Lake Walter F. George over the next [few] weeks,” said Lisa Coghlan, Deputy Public Affairs Officer. “There just isn’t enough inflow into the system to maintain required downstream flow levels,” said Robbins.

Robbins warned swimmers and boaters to be extra cautious when using the lake as lower water levels bring potential hazards closer to the surface.

Some boat ramps are closed or partially closed due to low water -- Bald Ridge Marine right lane, Lanier Point, Long Hollow left lane, and River Forks.

Labels: Lake Lanier, lake lanier water, water levels

Lake Lanier is gearing up for a busy summer despite its low water level, and here are some things recreational users can expect: deep drop-offs along beaches, underwater hazards and limited parking.

Those boating, fishing or swimming at Lanier are urged to take extra safety precautions this season, say officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"The abnormally dry conditions have produced lower than usual water levels and Lake Lanier is a different lake, and we just want to remind the recreating public to be cautious," said E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer, Mobile District.

"The cool lake water looks inviting to swimmers; however, it is much riskier to swim because designated swim areas are high and dry," Robbins said. "The swim beaches are groomed to have a gently sloping surface. There are now sudden, deep drop-offs or submerged obstacles, often much closer to the water's edge than usual." Swimmers are advised to wear life jackets.

Only 12 boat ramps are expected to remain open for the season, which means parking will be at a premium. Boaters and their friends are asked to carpool, or make other arrangements when meeting at the lake.

Boaters can continue to enjoy the lake, but should exercise caution when

boating near the shoreline, and they should also be sure to wear their life jackets.

"Wearing a life jacket can save your life," Robbins said. "It is an extra precaution boaters should take whenever they are enjoying the lake."

Underwater hazards such as shoals, tree stumps, and old road beds are closer to the surface and pose greater danger to boaters and swimmers.

For questions concerning water levels or to report a serious hazard, contact

the Lake Lanier Project Management Office at 770-945-9531or visit the Lake

Lanier Project website at http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/

Labels: Lake Lanier, water levels