Name:   John C - Subject:   raintree/elkahatchee......is it really lake martin Date:   12/19/2018 7:40:39 AM

WIthout a doubt, it is "really Lake Martin."

I assume you are looking for opinions with your question, but in my opinion the phrase used above -  "dang ugly and dangerous during flooding" is an extreme opinion.

First of all, the word "flooding" I think is misleading in that it might conjure up biblical or at least torrential conditions. The fact is that there is no / has been no flooding. The water level on the north side of the lake is just like any where else - rises or falls in tandem with water levels at Martin Dam. The north side is not susceptible to crazy changes in water level.

I am assuming that the writer above is referring to the spring (March 1 - April 30 approximately) when the entire lake level is coming up. In that case, I agree that there is more of a chance for a log or something to be in the water from the stretch from Irwin Shoals to Sandy Creek. Once the water level stabilizes, I think the chances of that are about equal to other parts of the lake.

I disagree with the "dang ugly" part of his or her opinion.

One big factor that you have to remember - in 1983 they dammed the Tallapoosa upstream of Martin when they created Lake Wedowee aka RL Harris Reservoir. The effect it had on Martin was that there was now a catch point for river debris and staining. The only staining and debris you see now are from Wedowee downstream. When I was growing up in the 1970s, the water on the north side of Lake Martin was very stained because it had traveled unimpeded all the way from Georgia in the Tallapoosa River. Now, because of Lake Wedowee, the original river run is a tad more stained than then rest of the Lake but in my opinion it's negligible once summer pool level is established. 

As far as other opinions go, I know plenty of people that have houses in that area. THey like that they perceive it to be a lot less busy than what they call "the Chimney Rock side." They like that they are close to some of the really good fishing spots on the lake. They like that they are close to highway 280 and therefore Alex CIty, Auburn, Georgia, etc.

Different strokes for different folks.