Lake Pool Level will not drop this Spring

[jsimo...@aol.com]

Here is a portion of a letter that APC filed with FERC today on the current lake levels.

Under ADROP, a drought response is initiated upon the occurrence of any trigger or combination of triggers

depending on the time of year as shown in Table 3 of ADROP. Beginning in September 2025, conditions in

the Coosa and Tallapoosa River basins have triggered up to Drought Intensity Level 2 based on Low Basin

Inflow and Low State Line Flow. However, Alabama Power has not had to modify operations at Martin Dam

based on these conditions. Currently, ADROP indicates Drought Intensity Level 1; however, target flows

into the Alabama River have not been reduced.

As indicated in ADROP, Alabama Power can seek variances from normal rule curve elevations to improve

the likelihood of filling its reservoirs to summer pool elevations. Further, Article 402 of the Martin Dam

Project license generally directs Alabama Power to operate the Project as directed, except as provided in

Article 405 for drought management. Article 402 also states that lakes levels “may be temporarily

modified…for short periods upon mutual agreement among the licensee, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Alabama Department of Environmental Management, and Alabama Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources”.

The purpose of this letter is to inform FERC that in accordance with Article 402 of the Project license, and in

consultation with the required agencies, Alabama Power has temporarily modified lake level requirements

to store water above 484 ft msl until reservoir levels intersect the rising flood control curve. Martin

operations were changed on February 28, 2026 to improve the chances of filling Lake Martin to full pool

elevation (491 ft msl) (see attached correspondence). This change in operations will last until March 11,

2026, when lake levels should intersect with the flood control curve at approximately 486 ft msl.

Here are the pool levels on 9 Mar 26.

The blue line is 2026 to date.

The yellow line shows the Rule that APC must follow per the FERC Permit.

The green line was 2025.

The red line was 2024.

The bottom line for us is that the pool will not drop back to the Rule elevation.  When the pool reaches the Rule elevation, it will follow the curve with full pool expected at the end of April.  Of course, any significant upstream rainfall will raise the pool above the Rule, providing downstream flood control on the Tallapoosa River below Lake Martin to Montgomery.

Fair winds and following seas,

 

Jim Simons

Harbormaster

334-546-0224

Jsimo...@aol.com

Anything seems possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

[Dave Harle]

Jim,

Thanks for this info!

Dave Harle

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