MOBILE, Al. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, is responding to below-normal rainfall conditions and their impact on federal reservoir levels in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin. The ACF Composite Storage has entered Zone 3, which triggers Drought Operations for the entire system on May 1.
As of May 13, West Point is at a reservoir elevation of 634.14’ and the historic median elevation for this time of year is 634.27’. Generation from the project is underway to meet downstream water-quality and water-supply demands, as well as minimum-flow discharge requirements into Apalachicola River. Before entering the spring season, West Point’s reservoir elevation was above the modified top of conservation. However, because the project received significantly less rainfall than the historic median for this calendar year, the current reservoir elevation and trend reflect the ongoing dry conditions.
Mobile District is closely monitoring the current conditions. According to the Southeast River Forecast Center, weather conditions are forecasted to remain dry for the next several weeks. The project will continue to operate in accordance with the policies within the Water Control Manual.
“The below normal rainfall conditions are likely to continue lower water levels in our reservoirs, and we just want to remind the recreational public to be cautious as levels drop,” said Dustin Gautney, Mobile District Public Affairs chief. “Underwater hazards such as shoals, tree stumps, and old roadbeds are closer to the surface and pose greater danger to boaters and swimmers. The best way to practice safety on the water is always to remember to wear your life jacket and watch for obstructions.”
For additional information on water levels or water safety, please contact the Mobile District Public Affairs Office at (251) 690-2505.
Release no. 26-010