Runoff from recent heavy rains is expected to push Thurmond Lake this weekend to its highest level in a decade, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
The 70,000-acre lake began filling rapidly after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell across much of the basin, corps spokesman Billy Birdwell said. Some areas recorded as much as 6 inches of rain.
The lake's full pool is 330 feet above sea level. By late Thursday afternoon, it was at 331.5 feet and is expected to crest above 334 feet by late Saturday.
"Right now the inflows into the lake are just tremendous," Mr. Birdwell said.
"Yesterday the local inflows from all the tributaries were about 65,000 cubic feet per second."
Similarly heavy inflows to the Savannah River below Thurmond Dam are keeping the river higher than usual, he said, and the corps is releasing only about 1,000 cubic feet per second from the lake into the river.
"By holding that water back, we are helping to prevent localized flooding farther down the river," he said. "As soon as the downstream flows start to subside, we'll be raising our discharges so that downstream flows will remain at about 20,000 cubic feet per second."
The last time the lake's pool exceeded 334 was on Feb. 2, 1998, when it crested at 334.36, according to corps records. The lake reached 333 several times in fall of 2004.
Although a full reservoir is welcome news for lake-area residents who have been plagued by drought and low water levels in recent years, the rising waters also present some challenges.
"People who have docks may want to come up here and check on them," said Nelson Brooks, a lakefront homeowner in Lincoln County. "When the lake comes way up, the dock cables get a lot of slack in them, and if it's windy, it can damage the catwalks."
Mr. Birdwell said both the lake and river will likely remain higher than usual for about two weeks.
Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 863-6165, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
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The lake is full and more water is flowing in. The river downstream is swollen. So what happens now? There is an average pool and a full pool description. We long ago passed average pool. In any case, the drought is over, thank goodness....I think.
The lake is absolutely beautiful. I do wish it would stay at this level.
Don't worry, the feds will find some environmentalist wacko reason downstream to empty the lake again.
Remember, it was built for hydro-electrical and flood control purposes. While looking nice and all is nice, it won't last.
They've already found a reason... They're supposed to be doing some work in the near future where they'll lower the lake levels on purpose...
It's a shame, but it never fails. The corp of engineers are like spend-a-holics. If the lake fills up, they empty it again.
Be careful if you're going out on the lake because all the fallen trees and other debris are floating. Also be careful of the islands that are just barely covered. If you haven't gotten to your dock by now, good luck. Some docks on the shallow side of the lake are sitting out in the water. Trying to keep up with what the corp is doing to the lake is impossible. The shoreline is a disaster and will be much worse when they drop the water again.
The corp has always been a burr under locals saddle . Not only here but through out the USA. They suck up a lot of money and only generate contraversey, get rid of them . let the local talent take over . Sounds simple to me .
Yes, let the local talent take over on a river that stretches for nearly 100 miles, provides drinking water for most of the CSRA and forms the border between 2 states. Sounds like a plan to me.
It is a shame that most people do not know how government appropriations work. Congress must first approve the work and then provide the money. If neither is done, the Corps of Engineers cannot do anything! It is unfortunate that funding to perform expensive preventive maintenance on the flood gates has been provided now and not during the drought. Who really deserves the blame? Would you rather the maintenance be done now or extensive repairs later once the gates are in danger of failing? (Remember the dam is over 50 years old and built with 1940s & 50s technology)
Have any of you been to the meetings that have been held regarding the lake? There are several engineers that have questioned the procedures of the Corp in their handling of the lake. The decisions to increase the lake level during the rain was due to several discussions with Col Kertis regarding this problem. We noticed a marked improvement in lake levels (after and during the rains) after these discussions were held with these local citizens.