Rainfall frees debris on Thurmond, Russell and Hartwell Lakes

The recent rainfall in the Savannah River basin has freed debris on Thurmond, Russell and Hartwell Lakes creating an increase in the number of hazards in the waters.

According to Officials with the Savannah River Basin, the rainfalls not only have topped off the reservoirs, but also, they have loosened walkways, caused trees to collapse into the water and generally increased the number of hazards in local waters.

Park rangers at Thurmond Lake also reported that some concrete picnic tables, normally along the shore are underwater and not visible from the surface.

Rocks and outcroppings normally visible also went into hiding as the reservoir levels rose.

In addition, many of the buoys marking the channels, boat exclusion zones and known hazards shifted or dislodged during the storms.

These things now pose hazards to boaters and others using the reservoirs for recreation.

According to a statement issued by staff at Lake Thurmond, they’ve already started seeing some minor incidents and are warning the public to use extreme caution at the lakes.

Water releases through the dams’ turbines continue at a high rate.

All reservoirs are above “full-pool” and are expected to remain so for several days or longer.