MOBILE, Ala. - With the water level dropping again, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says "caution" is the watchword if you plan to be on Lake Lanier over the July 4 weekend.
The drought in continues to have an adverse impact on Lanier and most other corps-managed lakes in the Southeast, according to the agency.
The lakes are experiencing lower than normal summer depths, and this affects recreation activities for swimmers and boaters.
The level of Lake Lanier is down 1.43 feet since Memorial Day, and was at 1,056.28 feet Monday morning.
"Lakeside swimmers and boaters are encouraged to wear their personal flotation device (PFD) and to take extra special precautions when lower than normal water levels occur," said E. Patrick Robbins, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Mobile District.
Swimmers are tempted, Robbins said, to go out further into cooler waters, which are unsafe. Many of the designated swim areas are high and dry. This is why the designated swim area buoys are not moved. The undesignated swim areas do not provide a level, even beach surface. These hazardous areas may have unseen drop offs, rocks, stumps, limbs or other hidden hazards.
The extended dry conditions will impact boaters also. Some boat ramps will have limited use and may be closed later in the summer if the drought continues. The low water levels also present boating challenges as navigation hazards begin to surface.
The shallower water conditions could expose sandbars or stumps to those swimming or boating, Robbins said. "Boaters should be cautious as declining levels may reduce clearance over underwater obstructions. Swimmers and boaters should always take precautions on the water, even in the best conditions."
As the drought continues, visitors may see signs at beaches and boat ramps
warning them of low water conditions. Park rangers will monitor swim areas for
emerging hazards and floating debris. The lakes will experience additional impacts to recreation. The remainder of the summer will depend on the weather and rainfall to the entire river system.
The lake level forecast can be found at the Mobile District Water Management Section's homepage at http://water.sam.usace.army.mil. The Corps also has a toll-free interactive voice phone system that provides daily readings for selected lakes and gauges at 1-888-771-4601.
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On the Net: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://water.sam.usace.army.mil
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Posted: Monday, June 30th 2008 at 9:47am
