The extreme drought conditions in Alabama are expected to continue, and Alabama Power – which maintains many of the state's most popular reservoirs – has issued a statement warning of another drawdown.
Despite extraordinarily low inflows, Alabama Power must, under government mandate, make certain water releases from its dams. Three lower lakes on the Coosa chain – Jordan, Lay, and Mitchell – will begin to fall on or around Mon., Sept. 17. Alabama Power stated the levels in each lake can be expected to fall another 2 feet. Earlier this year, the three lakes were temporarily drawn down to about 3 feet below their normal elevations. After this latest drawdown, Jordan, Lay and Mitchell are expected to remain about 3 feet below their typical elevations through October.
This year's drought is the worst on record in Alabama. Streams that feed Alabama Power lakes are at the lowest levels ever recorded for this time of year. At Alabama Power's six storage reservoirs, levels are already below winter-pool elevations.
The low water has significantly impacted fishing. Several launches have become unusable, and various tournaments have been cancelled.
For the latest on lake levels, visit AlabamaPower.com and click on the "Drought" icon, or call (800) LAKES-11.
