Forum Thread

Upper Enterprise Reservoir Topics

(Upper Enterprise Reservoir Specific)

0 messages

Updated

Off-Topic

Lakes Online Forum

83,641 messages

Updated 5/27/2024 4:40:31 PM

Boat Maintenance

Lakes Online Forum

5,193 messages

Updated 4/3/2024 3:47:36 AM

Upper Enterprise Reservoir Fishing

(Upper Enterprise Reservoir Specific)

0 messages

Updated

Jokes

Lakes Online Forum

4,169 messages

Updated 4/15/2024 11:05:05 PM

Sports

Lakes Online Forum

4,260 messages

Updated 3/24/2024 9:24:45 AM

Grilling & Recipes

Lakes Online Forum

2,976 messages

Updated 3/20/2024 11:53:43 PM

Tallapoosa River Topics

Lakes Online Forum

98 messages

Updated 4/15/2024 1:00:58 AM

Forum Usage Rules

Name:	peruecreek -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels
Date:	5/29/2007 10:18:48 PM

Based on the current lake level and the forecast it seems like a level of 475 is in the cards. I think the whole water level issue has been grossly mismanaged by APCO. There were many drought indications early on in the season that seem to be ingnored. Why did they wait until last week to contact the Corp of Engineers about downstream releases? They could drain the lake and it would not make a difference for downstream ecology given the drought forecast for the next two-three-weeks. Granted, Lake Martin takes a lot of water to fill but it seems that APCO has not been acting on any of the weather forecast but has been reacting. Just my opinion and any comments are welcome.

Name:	Bob -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels
Date:	5/30/2007 7:27:32 AM

I think we can all agree that if they indeed conatcted FERC it clearly should have happened earlier. I think this particular drought will result in added pressure because of the economic damage to come. This lake has not seen anything at this level in the past. Even the droughts in the 80's were tame in comparison and the population was 50% of what it is now. We have to have some of the "big dogs" on the lake have their July 4th ruined and maybe we will get some help raising winter levels...probably not for a few years even at that...

I talked to a sales guy at The Ridge Saturday and they are scared...

Name:	HappyCamper -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels - nothing new
Date:	5/30/2007 9:08:37 AM

There is a book called " Lake Martin - Alabama's Crown Jewel " that records drought history on the lake. This is nothing new. There are many years when the lake was at winter pool in the summer. The rain will come. Then everyone will complain that it's too wet and dreary to boat.

Name:	boataholic -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels - nothing new
Date:	5/30/2007 9:13:49 AM

Or they will respond to all the panicked newbie "big dogs" and raise the winter pool to 485, and then get hit with "normal" wet weather in late winter - early spring, causing the rivers to flood and people will say APCO shouldn't have raised the lake level.

Name:	Lakeman -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels
Date:	5/30/2007 9:51:18 AM

I think I remember one year in the 90's that the water level never exceeded 485-486. 95,96?

Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels - nothing new
Date:	5/30/2007 11:00:11 AM

I am just glad I don't have there (APCO) job..lol

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Water Levels - nothing new
Date:	5/30/2007 1:28:56 PM

Check out the picture in the book from 1941. I don't know what the level is in that picture, but it is WAY down. Just remember-one year may be dry, but the next year could be wetter than normal. For instance, we had low summer levels in '88, but in '89, a tropical storm stalled over the area, and APCo had to open a record number of floodgates in the summer. Some newbies may get scared off by the low water, but the best thing to do is enjoy what you can, and endure the bad year knowing that things will be better. My kids do not mind swimming in muddy water, and they love having a large sandy beach to play on. If they can make the best of things, so can everyone else.

Name:	Carnac -	Reply
Subject:	Next year?
Date:	5/30/2007 2:46:03 PM

There is no telling how low the lake level will get this year. It is possible that even with normal rainfall next winter and spring that we'll only get to 486 again because of the lower starting point.

I appreciate Alabama Power for their low electric rates and the reliability of that electricity but words cannot express my deep disappointment in their management of the lake. Some of the small merchants in the Lake Martin area may be sucking wind next year too.

As a public utility APCO has often gone to the Public Service Commission to get rate increases to cover their rising costs. Small merchants don't have deep pockets nor is their profitability and survival guaranteed. APCO doesn't give a hoot about them, lake property owners, or recreational users of the lake.

I appreciate Alabama Power for their low electric rates and the reliability of that electricity but words cannot express my deep disappointment in their management of the lake.

Name:	SandyCreekman -	Reply
Subject:	I share your frustration
Date:	5/30/2007 8:47:09 PM

I often wonder if APCO has been aggresive enough with FERC and Army Corps. Based on those I've asked and the information I've read, it appears the only thing APCO can really do to mitigate this in future is to gain approval to only take the lake down 6 or 7 feet vs. the 10 feet it normally. Based on some recent postings here, it sounds like either APCO is not going to request FERC/COE permssion or it's not going to ask until 2013.

Quick Links
Upper Enterprise Reservoir News
Upper Enterprise Reservoir Photos
Upper Enterprise Reservoir Videos