USACE Basin Management

Lake Lanier is considered at full pool when the water level in the summer is at 1071 feet above sea level and 1070 feet above sea level in the winter. The amount of water discharged from Lake Lanier is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Lake Lanier Association works closely with the USACE to emphasize the need to keep as much water stored in Lanier as possible. By having a close working relationship with both the local project office, the Mobile District office, and the South Atlantic Division office in Atlanta, LLA is able to make sure that the needs of Lanier are considered.

The amount of water released from Lake Lanier is guided by many factors. It is managed as part of the water availability in the entire Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, Flint (ACF) Watershed. The Water Control Manuals guide the USACE water release decisions. Additionally, water availability in the basin can vary based on the current rainfall trends.

The USACE responsibility extends to meeting all authorized purposes downstream from the lake. One of the authorized purposes is providing water supply to Metro Atlanta residents and businesses. Even while other reservoirs in the ACF Basin are full, water must be discharged from Lanier to meet those water supply requirements for Metro Atlanta.

Additional Information:

The daily hydropower generation schedule can be found here.

Additional information regarding the projected Lake Level can be found on the USACE website.