TALLADEGA COUNTY – The Army Corps of Engineers is allowing Lake Logan Martin to maintain a higher water level over the winter.Buddy Eiland, spokesman for Alabama Power, said, “This variance doesn’t give us any extra water, but we can deviate how we would normally operate,” Eiland said.
“If we were to get rainfall, instead of holding at 460 feet, we can go to 462,” Eiland said.
Eiland said the amount of rainfall the area receives will determine if the lake will be able to reach the 462 feet above sea level mark. The Corps recognized the extended drought conditions the region faces will make it more difficult to fill the lake in the spring and summer, Eiland said.
“Alabama lakes operated below full pool all year last year because we couldn’t sustain the level. The lakes in Georgia were the same way,” Eiland said.
Dr. Donn Brascho, president of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, said, “This will give us a better chance to get to normal pool.” Right now there is concern about larger boats being damaged by bottoming out with the low water levels, Brascho said.
The variance also allowed Lake Weiss to hold water up to 561 feet above sea level instead of 558 feet above sea level. Lake Martin near Alexander City received a similar variance in November allowing it to hold a higher water level over the winter as well, Eiland said.
“We’ve recognized we’re in a long drought cycle. Projections for rainfall are the same for 2008 as they were this year,” Eiland said.
“Anything they can do will help,” Brascho said. “It will be safer for boating, allow for easier water access, and it helps the marina.”
On April 1, 2008, Lake Logan Martin will be allowed to begin filling to its summer level of 465 feet above sea level, if the water’s available. The lakes are kept at lower levels in winter
