Scheduled Daily Release

From Atlanta Water Shortage Wiki

Buford Dam release for 05/08/2008: Zero scheduled release

05/08/2008: Zero scheduled release

5-02-2008 3:55pm - 5:10pm

4-30-2008 Zero scheduled release

4-22-2008 Zero scheduled release

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, by law, must release and maintain a minimum flow of water from Buford Dam towards West Point Lake. The Corps' water releases are based on two key requirements: the minimum flow needed to operate Herbert Scholz Generating Plant, Gulf Power's small coal-fired facility just below Lake Seminole, and federal mandates to protect two mussel species in a Florida river. In addition to the scheduled daily release, Buford Powerhouse must release a low flow of about 600 cfs a day around the clock just to maintain a minimally healthy flowing river below the dam.

Water release schedules are set by the Corps at Buford Dam and can vary daily. Updated information can be found by calling 770-945-1466 or if you're in the local area setting your radio to 1610 AM. During a release the flow, flow quickly jumps from ca. 500 cfs to roughly 10,000 cfs, causing water levels on the Chattahoochee River to fluctuate as much as 4-8 feet. The river just below Buford Dam is relatively narrow with steep banks and the current can be very strong in this stretch when water is released from the dam. The high banks make access difficult, and water conditions can be treacherous at times.

Downstream Crest Information

Water released from Buford Dam comes from the bottom of Lake Lanier and travels downstream from the Dam at about 4-5 mph. Approximate time in hours for water release crest to reach various locations downstream from Buford Dam:

Location - Miles Downstream - Approximate Hours to Crest

Highway 20 Bridge - 2.5 Miles - 45 Minutes
Settles Bridge - 5 Miles - 1.5 Hours
McGinnis Ferry Bridge - 8.5 Miles - 3 Hours
Suwanee Creek - 10 Miles - 3.5 Hours
Rogers Bridge - 11 Miles - 3.75 Hours
Abbotts Bridge, GA 120 - 13 Miles - 4.5 Hours
McClure Bridge - 14 Miles - 5 Hours
Medlock Bridge, GA 141 - 17 Miles - 6 Hours
Jones Bridge - 19 Miles - 6.5 Hours
Holcomb Bridge - 23 Miles - 8 Hours
Island Ford - 29 Miles - 10 Hours
Roswell Rd., U.S. 19 - 31 Miles - 10.5 Hours
Morgan Falls Dam - 35 Miles - 11.5 Hours