Heavy rain has returned to Lake Lanier and the water level remains consistent so far at 1070.56 and currently rising. Rain is expected the remainder of the week so the lake level will certainly continue to rise. Swollen streams and creeks south of Buford Dam has temporarily slowed the water releases from Buford Dam.
This past weekend, tragedy occurred just south of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River. Two fishermen were on the river when the water started to rise because of a release from Buford Dam. The fishing boat capsized throwing both men into extremely cold , rushing water. I am unsure if the men could hear the alarm from Buford Dam from their location on the river.
Lake Lanier is at near full pool and the COE is having to release water from the lake at a steady pace. If you going to be out on the river you need to be sure to do the following:
1. Call 770-945-1466 to get a water release schedule before going to the river.
2. Be observant while on the river. If you notice the water rising then you need to quickly exit the river.
3. Always wear a life jacket. The water conditions on the Chattahoochee River is nothing to guess about. If you get thrown out of your boat or raft you will need a life jacket to keep you afloat. The water temperature on the river is very cold year around so hypothermia is a high risk.
4. Listen for the Buford Dam alarm. The alarm will sound before a water release. If you hear the alarm then quickly exit the river.
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Lake Lanier is at 1070.32 which is only a short drop from summer full pool at 1071. Finally some mild weather has returned to Lake Lanier this weekend with highs in the lower 60s. If you don't mind the cold water it is a great weekend to go for a boat ride. Don't worry boaters, spring is around the corner despite the snow we had earlier in the week. We have had a very wet winter and we typically have our wet season in the spring. With Lake Lanier near full pool there is not a lot of capacity available to hold the rainfall from the "rainy season". The COE has been releasing water at Lake Lanier to keep room at Lake Lanier for additional water.
The COE has been trying to lower the water level at Lake Lanier to 1070 for quite awhile. Every time the COE makes headway, another round of wet weather arrives, raising the lake level. Since the rain earlier in the week, the COE has been busy trying to release water from Lake Lanier. So far they have lowered Lake Lanier by 6 inches to 1070.50. Looking at the weather forecast for the next week it appears that there will not be any rain. The question is if the COE will continue to lower Lake Lanier below 1070 now there is an opportunity? Obviously, we would like to see Lake Lanier stay at or around full pool throughout the spring and summer months to help the local economy around the lake. Only time will tell if the COE will allow it.
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