The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, announced March 8 that high water levels have impacted recreational facilities and boating at Lake Lanier.
Water levels have approached near-record levels (1076 mean sea level) twice in the past 14 days, with continued rainfall in the regional forecast. While non-damaging water releases from the Lanier Reservoir are ongoing, continued rainfall is preventing water levels from receding significantly.
Park rangers will close recreational facilities and areas if they are determined to be a potential public safety hazard.
Public Safety:
- All visitors to Lake Lanier should be aware of their surroundings.
- High water levels at Lake Lanier can create unseen safety hazards.
- The public should also be aware continued rainfall across North Georgia can quickly impact water levels, creating safety concerns at the lake. Therefore, certain facilities may not be open upon arrival.
- Closed recreation areas and facilities will remain closed until water levels recede, debris is removed, and the areas are inspected to ensure public safety. Should impacted areas suffer damage, they will remain closed until repairs have been completed and safety hazards eliminated.
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Please note public safety is a paramount concern to the Lake Lanier park rangers, and while area and facility closures are inconvenient, they may be required to ensure public safety.
Be aware that it is a federal violation to enter or use recreation areas and facilities posted as “CLOSED” by park rangers. Any person who violates the provisions of the regulations may be subject to federal fines, and may also be ejected from the Lake Sidney Lanier recreation area.
Boating:
High water conditions have also impacted safety conditions for watercraft use on the lake. Please be aware that:
- Navigation markers and hazard markers may have been displaced or submerged.
- High waters carry floating debris: often large debris such as limbs, logs, dock floatation blocks, dead wildlife, and other hazards.
- High waters may have submerged a previously exposed areas such as a point, tree, or small island.
As recreational areas and facilities are determined to be safe for public use, immediate updates will be provided.
For more information and regular updates on Lake Lanier, please follow its Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/LakeSidneyLanierUSACE/
Also, contact the Lake Lanier Project Management Office at 770-945-9531, or visit https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/
For information regarding notifications and refunds to affected reservations due to closures, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
