Lake Lanier water getting lower and lower

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Drought conditions in recent weeks has led to a 3-foot drop in the water level at Lake Lanier.

As a result, many shoals and other water hazards that had been beneath the surface are now a threat to boaters, water skiers and swimmers.

“When the water level drops, we urge people to be very cautious about underwater obstacles coming to the surface, where they are boating or using the water,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Manager Nick Baggett. %

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Baggett told Channel 2's Tom Regan, if the water level drops to 5 feet below the full summer pool level, the agency will institute a low water action plan that includes placing temporary orange ball floats on hazards as they are discovered.

He said the risk of a boater striking a hazard goes up dramatically after sunset.

“They may see a water hazard that has a light on it, they may think that hazard is right there, but the actual hazard may be wider and bigger than that particular point.

One forecast suggests the water level will drop another 2 feet by mid -July, to 1,066.

One family that spends a lot of time boating says it’s unfortunate.

“It’s really sad.  Fortunately we have depth finder on our boat. You can see a lot of trees, but you also have to stay away from mile markers and reef markers. Hopefully we can get to enjoy a couple of more weeks before it goes down further,” said Adrian Bedora.

The most severe drought at Lake Lanier in recent history, happened between 2007-2008, when the water level dropped 16 feet.

Cox Media Group