How Deep is the Water?

Winter lake level is the time to inspect summer use

Lake property is expensive. If you are going to invest that much in a waterfront property, it makes sense to carefully check out the water depth, potential for dredging, location for seawalls, and where to place the pier. That makes good sense and leads to the question, “When is the best time for a prospective buyer to inspect a lake property?”

It might be more fun in mid-July when you can jump into the water, but winter is the best time to inspect lake property. That is because Alabama Power operating guidelines for Lake Martin mandate a seven-foot draw down of lake levels for the months of December through February. For most property, you can actually get down and walk part of the lake bed to look “under the hood” as it were.

It is during this time period you can get quotes on new seawalls, inspect the condition of current seawalls (or existing piers), and learn wintertime water depth. If you can stand on dry land at the end of a pier, you only have to imagine what 7’ of additional water will mean to summer boating season.

As for dredging, our experience has shown that the Shoreline Permitting representatives at Alabama Power Company prefer to look at the lakebed before approving a dredging permit. They will want to ensure that the material removed does not adversely affect habitat and will not create a ponding of water that is separated from the lake at low levels (sometimes called a “bathtub effect” at the dredge site).

Advice before your inspection visit

Even though the lake level is mandated to be seven feet below normal summer pool, that does not mean it is always maintained at that level during the winter months. For instance, the current level is only 3’6” below summer level due to recent rains. Alabama Power keeps a close watch on lake levels, and their website for Lake Martin levels is https://apcshorelines.com/our-lakes/martin/. A quick check will allow you to accurately assess the winter-to-summer depth projection.

Even though the water is down, that does not mean the lakebed is dry or firm!! Wear boots that can be firmly tied. Many lake lovers have lost a tennis shoe or two to sucking muddy soils on the lake bottom. Once your shoe has been sucked off, you are not likely to get it back!

Wear warm clothes that can resist rainfall. Wind is a bit stronger (and colder) along the open lakefront, and rain can come without much warning. You will appreciate having the right kind of clothing so you can take the time you need to review multiple properties.

Confirm the property you are looking at has accurate property corner markings before you make any decisions. There are setback restrictions for piers, boardwalks, boat ramps and nearly all waterfront improvements. Alabama Power has guidelines for shoreline improvements that you can download to bring with you on your search. They can be found online by clicking here.

Finally, you can contact one of our Sales Executives to accompany you on your inspection. They are used to looking at lake property and can get all of the information you will need for your visit. They can be reached at 256.215.7011 seven days a week.