Name:	LakeMartinLife -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 9:51:50 AM

As a newby to Lake Martin I was curious, how much rain is typically needed to impact the lake level?  I had assumed the level might but go up a little with the recent rains but it doesn't seem to have made much impact.  Does this likely mean the lake level is as high as it will be the remainder of this year (before the scheduled lower levels)?  

Thanks, I've learned a lot from reading this forum from time to time and appreciate those who add valuable lake information.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 10:13:13 AM (updated 8/11/2016 10:15:00 AM)

Welcome to the Lake. Look at the attached and you can see the timing for the lowering of the lake. I think you have seen the maximum level for this season.

http://www.lakemartin.com/Level.asp

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 10:16:43 AM

Welcome to paradise and the forum.  Historically once the level drops it stays down.  Rain may decrease or even stop the decline but typically it takes tropical storm type rain event to significantly increase the level.  We are still in severe drought conditions with the recent rains.  Since the drought of 07 ARCO has gotten better at maintaining consistent levels longer in the season. Personally I choose to enjoy the 489 we do have instead of bemoaning the two we have lost and I am I  a shallow slough. I understand as a Newby it may be disheartening but don't worry,  all the water will be back next year and we still have plenty for the remainder of this year plus the added benefit of lots more beaches to explore and play on.

Were you here in December when the level went up 8ft in 6 days? I've been here 50+ years and never seen that. Mother Nature will not be controlled... Lol.

Name:	George -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 10:38:13 AM

We receive a magazine in the mail every month or quarter, not sure.  It's called "Shorelines".  It is sent free from APCO and it has articles about all of the APCO reservoirs.  I received a smaller version last week titled "Shorelines - Lake Martin Special Edition", and it detailed the 5 criteria that must be maintained for the lake level to remail "full" until Oct., 15th.  I don't remember all 5, but the flow volumn at Harris, Thurlow and somewhere on the Alabama River were 3 of them.  If I find it, or if anyone else still has their's, we'll post it here.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 12:10:34 PM

That was an interesting read.  I need to try again and see if I can comprehend.  But one of the criteria had to do with Sept level, but a decision was made before Sept 1 about keeping it up.  Go figure!   I do remember there being a LOT of wiggle room in the five criteria.

Name:	LakeMartinLife -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 2:01:31 PM

Thanks for the input folks!  I have water just was curious as to what impact regular old rain shower have on the level which apparently isn't much.  Totally get how a tropical depression would be different.   

That is wild on the 8 feet in 6 days!   I have heard many of the folks here talk about how fall is their favorite time of the year here.  I look forward to experiencing that up here.   

Name:	PC Al -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 10:08:41 PM

Reading that Shorelines Special Edition left my head swimming.  I would like to meet the person that can figure that thing out.  With all those requirements, it's anyone's guess what our winter level will be.......

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/11/2016 10:21:25 PM

Probably some of the same people and their rationale that "fixed" the traffic problem in Bham on 280. Put $25 million on the table and watch the scientific minds churn,,,,

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/12/2016 6:28:43 AM

Really glad to know others had the same reaction to that flyer as I did. It and the who owns what Dock Company thread were the same day. Both left me scratching my head and thinking maybe I had lost my ability to reason things out.  The special edition of shorelines said for more  information go to a Web page so went there looking for a secret decoder ring.  Then I couldn't find a word about the issue on the website.

Name:	Little Talisi -	Reply
Subject:	OK, OK, OK, .........
Date:	8/12/2016 9:25:14 AM

Perhaps it is time to go back a few steps and clear up what they mean when they say certain things. Real simple. IS THERE ENOUGH WATER TO PUT MY BOAT IN THE WATER, or WILL THE WATER STAY DOWN LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO WORK ON THE SEAWALL?

Simple enough?

Name:	PC Al -	Reply
Subject:	OK, OK, OK, .........
Date:	8/12/2016 2:14:48 PM

And there we have the $64,000 question.  (Some of these younger folks won't know what that means).

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/12/2016 2:58:26 PM

If that system camped over Louisiana drifted up here, we wouldn't have to worry about water for the rest of the summer.

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Lifer
Date:	8/13/2016 2:50:54 AM (updated 8/13/2016 2:51:16 AM)

You're getting old.....deal with it :)

Name:	jwh445 -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/15/2016 10:20:42 AM

That brings up an interesting question;  What would happen if 30 inches of rain fell in our watershed within a three day period and lake was at full pool?  Old timers?  LIfelong residents?  LM experts?  hydro engineers?

Lake is at 491.  How high would it go before the spillway of the dam would send the excess downstream?

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/15/2016 10:33:04 AM

That is a pretty extreme situation but I would think it didn't come without warning.  As soon as such an event became a possibility APCO would run all four turbines at the dam, sending that water downstream before the deluge.  They also wouldn't wait for the level to get to 491 before opening the spillway gates.  It seems they employ multiple methods to manage as best as possible.

Name:	jwh445 -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level
Date:	8/15/2016 2:13:56 PM

This situation came with a two day warning of heavy rainfall possible.  It can and did happen this weekend in Baton Rouge LA.  It is good to know that Lake Martin would not expierience a catastrophic flood.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/15/2016 3:03:27 PM

In spring of 1979 there was a 100year event that caused flooding basically state wide. At that time the water rose to a few inches over full and started to flow around the day on the eastern side. Everything that could be sending water downstream was being done.  So much water the bridge below the day was washed away. After that event APCO engineered and built the barrier day that can be ease all seen by driving up to the east side guard shack. Now it can actually rise out of her banks by a few feet. It supposedly is now engineered to a 300year event. But I never speak of a ladies age, especially one as powerful as Mother Nature. So I guess the answer is yes it can,  but no it won't. Like has already been stated,  the powers that be now have much better tools with which to control the water much better. The best way to know if your Lake house is in danger of flooding is simple.  Did your mortgage company require flood insurance? Not 100% accurate Guage but a more reliable one than me because their opinion matters.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/15/2016 3:12:09 PM

From what I have seen your house can be in NO danger of flooding and your mortgage company might still require insurance!

Name:	jwh445 -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/15/2016 3:52:17 PM

Thanks for the factual input, these are the answers I was hoping to hear.  My insurance company does not require flood insurance, but as stated, that does not mean it would not be prudent anyway.  Alot of my friends in the Baton Rouge area were not required to have flood insurance.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/15/2016 7:03:55 PM

Hodja had valid points. It's usually it's usually only a few hundred bucks a year and if it gives you peace of mind it sounds like it's worth it.  Folks brag about TowBoat only being $75 most houses are worth more than our boats. I would think the further you are off flood plane the insurance would get cheaper but they probably don't have a formula for that.... Lol.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/15/2016 7:03:56 PM

Hodja had valid points. It's usually it's usually only a few hundred bucks a year and if it gives you peace of mind it sounds like it's worth it.  Folks brag about TowBoat only being $75 most houses are worth more than our boats. I would think the further you are off flood plane the insurance would get cheaper but they probably don't have a formula for that.... Lol.

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Lake Level the history
Date:	8/19/2016 12:06:13 AM

I am not sure that opening everything at the dam would be enough to dispose of one or two day rainfall totals like they got in Louisiana.  I would expect the elevation to rise several feet above 491.  I do not want to see if 500 is possible, though.