MOBILE, Ala. – The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Rivers basin is experiencing drier than normal conditions for this time of year, causing lake levels throughout the basin to be below normal.
“Lake levels were looking very well in the upper basin during the late winter and early spring months,” said E. Patrick Robbins, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District. “Then about mid-April, the rain stopped and inflows began going below normal.”
The lower portion of the basin had not been as fortunate. Record low inflows have been recorded below Lake Walter F. George throughout the late winter and early spring.
“Due to these record low inflows in the lower basin, lakes in the upper reach have been used to help meet the required flow in the Apalachicola River to protect endangered species,” Robbins said. “Right now we are experiencing just enough flows throughout the basin to meet the required flows in the Apalachicola River and stabilize the levels of all the lakes in the system even though they will be below normal for this time of year.”
The five week forecast of lake levels indicates Lake Lanier, which would normally be at 1071 feet mean sea level (msl) will range from 1069.4 to 1068.4 through mid-June. West Point Lake, normally at 635 feet msl, will range from 632.4 to 632.5 through mid-June. Lake Walter F. George, normally at 190 feet msl will range from 188.6 to 188.5 through mid-June and Lake Seminole (Jim Woodruff), normally at 77 feet msl will range from 76.7 to 76.8 through mid-June.
“These forecasts are obviously predicated on the weather patterns as they currently are forecast,” said Robbins. “If additional rain was to occur, we would make every effort to raise lake levels to full summer pool; however, the opposite is also true. If inflows decrease, levels could get lower than expected.”
Residents, boaters and other users of the lakes are asked to use caution when recreating due to the lower than normal lake levels. For the latest information and forecasts, please visit the water management home page at www.water.sam.usace.army.mil.
“With the Memorial Day weekend coming up, we urge all recreational users to use extra caution while enjoying the opportunities the lake offers,” said Robbins. “Life vests are extremely important and each Corps project has loaner programs. Boaters should also be alert to lower than normal waters and any possible obstacles.”