Lake Levels May be Affected by Lack of Rainfall

By: Sandra Hudson

As we approach the end of summer here in Georgia’s Lake Country we are experiencing particularly dry conditions in the Oconee River watershed. A check of the U.S. Drought Monitor website (http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/) demonstrates that most of the watershed has been in some level of drought for much of the summer. Natural streamflows are reduced and lake levels are beginning to be affected by the lack of significant rainfall. Over the last several weeks we have received some scattered thunderstorm activity, but this has not resulted in enough rainfall in the watershed to maintain streams and rivers at their normal flows.

Wallace and Sinclair dams continue to be used for their designed purpose to generate hydropower and help meet energy needs for the citizens of Georgia. We cannot predict future rainfall and are operating the dams to manage limited water resources for power generation, downstream flow requirements, and lake levels. We will return to normal operations and lake levels as soon as rainfall allows.

Information courtsey of: https://georgiapowerlakes.com/oconeesinclair/2016/…