Lower Coosa lake drawdowns set to begin
Permit required for construction projects within reservoir boundaries

Alabama Power has set tentative dates this fall for water-level drawdowns on Lay, Mitchell and Jordan/Bouldin lakes, located on the Coosa River.

Drawdowns give residents and contractors better lakebed access for permitted construction projects on the three lakes. Drawdowns have not taken place since 2009 because of weather conditions or other issues.

Alabama Power biologists – in coordination with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – will also use the gradual lowering to survey snail populations in Lay Lake tributaries.

This year’s drawdown schedule is as follows:


Lake

Normal elevation

Drawdown elevation

Lowering dates

 

Start refill

 

 Back to  normal

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan/Bouldinn

252

248/249

Sept. 17-19

 

Oct. 1

 

 

Oct. 3

 

 

 

 

 

Mitchell

312

308/309

Oct. 1-3

 

Oct. 15

 

 

Oct. 17

 

 

 

 

 

Lay

396

393/394

Oct. 15-17

 

Oct. 29

 

 

Oct. 31

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because weather conditions can impact the drawdown schedule, residents and contractors are encouraged to visit Alabama Power’s automated Reservoir Information System at 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711) or lakes.alabamapower.com  for updates.

Residents and contractors considering any construction projects within Alabama Power’s reservoir boundaries should consult with the company about obtaining the proper permits before beginning any work. Permitting guidelines and contact information for permits can be found on the Shoreline Management page at www.alabamapower.com.

Individuals with boats and other water-related equipment and facilities should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property.

Alabama Power has 14 hydroelectric facilities on the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Black Warrior rivers, producing low-cost, clean energy for customers. To learn more, visit www.alabamapower.com