Fill ‘er Up!

Time to bring the lake to full pool!

For Lake Martin property owners, February 1 is like what December 1 is for kids. Once December 1 rolls around, kids start thinking about Santa Claus and Christmas. For us, once February 1 rolls around, we start thinking about warm weather and boating. Call it Christmas for grown-ups!

For the “newbies” to Lake Martin, you may wonder why the locals get a tad giddy about boating when there is still a chance of frost. That is because we know that this is the month that Alabama Power, under its license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, begins to refill the lake. That means spring is right around the corner, and it is time to get ready! For details on this process, visit the Alabama Power Shorlines website.

As an integral part of Alabama Power’s management of the reservoir, there is a mandate for flood control and water flows below its hydro-electric dam on Lake Martin. Every year, following the summer season, a gradual drawdown of the lake level occurs to provide reservoir capacity for winter rainfalls. Then the drawdown reverses in time to be at full pool by May 1 of each year.

The license requires a 7-foot drawdown each year, except the sixth year, which requires a 10-foot drawdown to allow for easier access for pier and seawall repair. This winter is that sixth year, so we are even more excited to see the lake begin filling later this month. That means everyone needs to hurry to complete their shoreline repairs that require a dry lakebed.

So, every special event needs to have a special day. For us at Lake Martin, the day the lake level starts reversing is called PLUG DAY. This year, plug day is scheduled for February 18.

Lake Martin, even at winter pool levels, is a huge boatable reservoir. The additional 10-feet enhances summer activities on the lake. No wonder Lake Martin is the only waterway in Alabama to be designated an Alabama Treasured Lake.

We look forward to seeing you on the lake soon!