Lake Levels Expected to Remain Strong This Summer, Says Corps

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

If you’re headed to the lake this summer, there’s no need to worry about low lake levels.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forecasting near perfect summer lake conditions this year.

“The reservoirs are looking very good for the summer,” said Corps Spokesman Billy Birdwell. “Right now, Hartwell Lake is exactly at full pool at 660ft above mean sea level. Lake Thurmond is just a couple of inches below full pool. Russell lake is actually about an inch above.”

Back in mid-April, Hartwell Lake and Thurmond Lake neared flood stage due to heavy rainfall.  At one point, Hartwell reached six inches above flood stage.

But all that heavy rain, Birdwell said, was instrumental in providing plenty of water for some summertime fun on the lake.

“We’ve had some really good inflows and rains this season,” he said. “So, we’re looking good and I think we’ll have an excellent season for boating, swimming, fishing, recreation; especially if people wear their life jackets and have no accidents.”

The Georgia DNR in conjunction with the Hartwell Lake Office recently set up a free life jacket lending station at the Tugaloo State Park mega ramp in Lavonia.

Both adult and child life jackets are available to use while on the lake and return at the end of your boating day.