Name:   Osms - Subject:   Lake levels and water wars Date:   5/8/2015 11:18:45 AM (updated 5/8/2015 11:19:47 AM)

I agree with you.  The formula is extremely complicated, and far too complicated to attempt to explain here.  I'd suggest you go to the HOBO website where you will find the FEIS as a .pdf, and you can download and read the section.  In my simplistic view, FERC could have approved a plan that allowed APCo to hold the level at 490', while meeting minimun flow requirements of 1,250 cfs.  If there is not enough rain to hold the lake up and maintain minimum flow, then the lake starts going down.  If there's rain, great, hold it up.  Unfortunately, the Coosa River and the Corps of Engineers play into the scheme since minimum flows are required at the Alabama River, which takes water from both the Tallapoosa and Coosa.  Balancing the two rivers is where the formula gets complicated.  Add to that the Corps new ploy to hold water for ATL, and we've got a real mess.

APCo did a historical review of rain amounts, lake levels, and flow rates and based on history made the prediction of once every 3 or 4 years we'll have an extended full pool.  YEA!!

HOBO Website:  LakeMartin.org