Upper Savannah reservoirs hit Drought Level 1

Dropping pool elevation in both lakes Hartwell and Strom Thurmond triggered the first drought level today, and the Corps of Engineers will transition to drought releases at Thurmond over the weekend.  Today’s pool elevations are 656 feet above mean sea level at Hartwell Lake and Dam and 326 ft-msl at Thurmond Lake and Dam.  Entering Drought Level 1 activates the Corps’ Drought Management Plan, which conserves water in the reservoirs by reducing the outflows from the Thurmond Dam.  Managers also adjust Hartwell releases, as needed, to stay in balance with Lake Thurmond.  Reducing outflow decreases the amount of hydropower generated through the dams but conserves more water in the reservoirs.  Currently, boat launchings lanes are open, swim beaches have about two feet of water, and camping, boating, skiing, fishing and other forms of recreation continue unabated.