Wednesday, October 28, 2009

No Drawdown Yet Again

Current Lake Conditions
Date: 10/28/2009
Hour Ending: 7:51:00 PM

Lake Elevation
395.54 Feet



Turbine Release
26082 cfs

Lake Conditions Message
Effective - 10/27/2009

The Lay Biennial Drawdown that was initially scheduled to begin October 14 was postponed prior to its start due to high inflows from abnormal rainfall amounts. Due to the abnormally wet fall conditions and continued rain forecast, as well as other factors surrounding the USFWS conditions, we are regretfully cancelling the 2009 drawdown for Lay. The next drawdown will take place in 2011; details of that drawdown will be communicated as time draws closer.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fall is a Great Time to be on Lay Lake

Fall arrived overnight here on Lay Lake and we have seen morning lows hovering right above freezing. It's a great time to be on the water as the fishing is still good and the crowds are gone. We've had plenty of water over the last month and when the current gets going the fish like to move into the sloughs. With most fishermen hitting the woods in search of a trophy buck, one could have the whole place to his self on a weekday.

As for real estate, the log jam that started last fall is officially broken. We have sold twice as many homes this year as we did in '08. Prices have moderated but the value of Lay Lake property is still strong. Homes have sold for as much as 435k and vacant lots as much as 140k. The banks are still lending and buyers are still getting financed on vacation homes and the comps for these properties are still strong. The time is right to purchase and enjoy the holidays on Lay Lake.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Drawdown Postponed

Who would have thought a controlled drawdown would ever happen again back in '07.
But who could have ever thought we'd have to postpone one due to heavy rainfall?

From APCO's site:

Lake Conditions Alert

Spillway gates opening at Coosa and Tallapoosa River dams;

Lay Reservoir drawdown postponed



Because of heavy rains and forecasts of continuing rainfall, Alabama Power on Monday opened spillway gates at its Coosa River dams to manage rising lake levels. The company plans to open spillway gates at Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River.



Spillway gates were opened at Weiss, Henry, Lay and Mitchell dams on the Coosa River this morning. Spillway gates will be opened at Logan Martin and Jordan dams this afternoon. On the Tallapoosa River, minimal spillway gate operation will also take place this afternoon at Harris Dam. Alabama Power is working to maintain lake elevations at or below summer pool. However, the use of its flood easements above summer pool to manage high flows is possible. People on or near these reservoirs should take necessary precaution and action to protect their interests.



In addition, the biennial drawdown scheduled to begin this week on Lay Reservoir will be postponed until conditions allow rescheduling.



Alabama Power will continue to closely monitor lake conditions and manage resources carefully. People with boats and other water equipment or facilities should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property.



For more information about Alabama Power lakes and updates, please visit https://lakes.alabamapower.com or call 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-371