The Corps of Engineers continues to monitor below-normal rainfall conditions and their impact on the levels of Lake Lanier and other reservoirs in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin. The ACF Composite Storage entered Zone 3, which triggers Drought Operations for the entire system on May 1.
According to the Southeast River Forecast Center, weather conditions are forecast to remain dry for the next several weeks.
With the Memorial Day holiday weekend – the unofficial start of summer – beginning Saturday, Corps officials, mindful of the drought and the impact it is having on Lanier and the other lakes, are once again offering words of caution to those who will be in, on or around the reservoirs.
“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.”
The level of Lake Lanier remains about five feet below normal for this time of year.
EARLIER STORY. POSSTED MAY 8: Corps monitoring drought conditions across its Mobile region
For additional information on water levels or water safety, please contact the Mobile District Public Affairs Office at (251) 690-2505.