Our friends at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are to be commended for maintaining the level of Lake Lanier.
The USACE considers the lake to be full when the level is 1071 feet during Summer Pool, May 1st through November 30th.
During Winter Pool, December 1st through April 30th, Lanier is deemed to be full when it hits 1070 feet above sea level.
On December 1, 2013 (the first day of Winter Pool), the official lake level was 1071.36 feet. That’s a few inches over full pool for summertime and more than a foot above full pool for winter. That’s the highest level on the first day of Winter Pool in 20 years.
That’s a great way to head into 2014.
Actually, according to the USACE, we’re already in Water Year 2014. Water Years begin in October; therefore, December 2013 is officially part of Water Year 2014. Our government at work.
Perhaps it’s sheer rebellion, but we’re going to list the lake’s levels below in “real” years, not “Water Years.”
Here’s how December 1st 2013 compared to other years:
- 2013: 1071.36
- 2012: 1057.25
- 2011: 1058.31
- 2010: 1068.68
- 2009: 1071.36
- 2008: 1051.17
- 2007: 1051.75
- 2006: 1062.83
- 2005: 1069.18
- 2004: 1070.34
- 2003: 1069.71
- 1993: 1072.15
Lake Lanier has fluctuated from the low of 1051.17 in 2008 (19-feet below full Winter Pool) to two-feet above full Winter Pool in 1993.
Recently, Lake Lanier has been blessed with abundant rain and wise management. We’re looking forward to seeing Lake Lanier full of fun and water in 2014.
