Upstate SC
Hartwell Lake heading out to sea, again!
Posted by: TStormSC, 7:43 PM GMT on July 06, 2008 +0
WOW! Lake Hartwell (or Hartwell Lake) on the SC/GA border almost reached record low-water surface elevation (WSEL) over the past fall and winter and we are headed well below those levels if the weather patterns do not change this year.

Hartwell is in the Savannah River basin and is part of a three-lake system of USACE hydropower lakes.

Full pool at Lake Hartwell is 660 feet mean sea level. On July 4, 2007, the WSEL was 656.24. The winter low was on December 20, 2007 @ 646.64. On July 4, 2008, we were at 649.12, a full 7-feet lower than last year at this same time. Without significant rain, we will be reaching new record levels this year.

This data was determined from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) website here -> Link. See a plot of the past year's data here -> Link.

Many commercial interests have done there best to blame the USACE for the economic woes associated with the low water, but the Corps has done the best it can with what little water is coming in. The economic impacts are real, but if Mother Nature does not provide, there is nothing the USACE can do to produce water. Closing the dam is not an available option.

We need rain! Preferably a tropical system. I certainly do not wish the adverse impacts of a tropical storm or hurricane on the Gulf or lower-Atlantic coast, but we rely on regular tropical systems and we have not received any in over two years.
Updated: 8:37 PM GMT on July 06, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Hartwell heading out to Sea
Posted by: TStormSC, 12:28 AM GMT on July 20, 2007 +0
We are hoping for some tropical weather here! Anyone watching Lake Hartwell subside, or anyone concerned over the Savannah River system in general is encouraged to respond. All feedback concerning the water is welcome. All those who watch their docks turn into decks unite! :) Please comment on your lake and cove conditions.Savannah River Project Control Page LinkFor those of you who are not familiar with the area, Lake Hartwell (or Hartwell Lake) is a US Army Co...
Updated: 1:34 AM GMT on September 08, 2007   Permalink | A A A
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