The river takes on a much different appearance when the corps releases water from the spillway at West Point Dam. If fishing or otherwise using the area below Hartwell Dam please use extreme caution. When West Point Lake was filled, habitats for deer, dove, quail, and waterfowl were lost which caused important migratory bird routes to be disturbed. Many others, myself included, will be looking to pattern bass, bream and crappie. 0 Evacuations required. An endangered species, the Bald eagle, is frequently seen in this part of the lake. The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the . [5]:4 Visitation numbers are unknown today, however many flock to lake during the annual fireworks display at Pyne Road Park that are accessible by boat or land. Most of the time, rainfall is evenly distributed over all four seasons with a yearly average of 52.93 inches (1,344mm). Of the four major USACE lakes in the ACF River Basin, West Point Lake is the smallest by area containing 25,864 acres (10,467ha) of water, and has the second shortest shoreline at 604mi (972km). Another option is to put in and paddle upriver before you begin fishing. SG - reservoir storage in 1000 acre-feet. Destination WeddingsGoverning Body So that generation schedule new method approach is 2023 Georgia Outdoor News. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waterway, running 260 river miles from Apalachicola, Florida to Columbus, Georgia. Major to serious flooding occurs. A couple of my favorites are Senkos and Trick Worms. West Overlook Park: Leaving West Overlook Viewpoint, return to CR212 and turn R. Drive .1 mi to sign for West Overlook Park. When these river bass are active, soft jerkbaits work very well. A clear, shallow, rocky flow quickly swells to a wide deluge. The stretch of the river that I fish from my kayak most frequently lies between the tailrace of West Point Dam and the Airport boat ramp at Shawmut. The West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. Levels varied according to the west point dam schedule, the cities downstream continued to stay here. Parking lots of West Point City Hall911 CenterPolice Departmentand Fire Department flooded out. Thunderstorms produce much of the rainfall during the summer months as well as frontal systems. Fishing is probably the most popular activity on West Point Lake with a dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake to choose from. [8]:1 In the master plan, it was decided to have a 300 to 500 feet (91 to 152m) buffer from the water edge. The FEMA Web Mapping Service (WMS) is down. In additionflooding spreads further into Lanettwith South Gilmer Avenue and 11th Street flooded. Atlanta continually failed to reduce pollution and was threatened by the GEPD with fines and sewer bans. Getting on the river in low-water conditions is an excellent way to learn the best paths between rocks and shoals, what types of cover are present, and learn potential areas to fish when the water rises. All of the piers provide access for persons with disabilities. Another sure sign that Old Man Winters time is short, yellow pollen will soon blanket everything. Used for everything from hydroelectric power generation, drinking water and of course angling, the Chattahoochee is a vital resource. The entire area of the Chattahoochee River basin is 8,708 square miles (22,550km2)[4]:4-1, The lake is sometimes criticized and brought into negative public light due to being the first impoundment south of Atlanta. For the West Point Lake area as a whole, the record low is 10F (23C) in LaGrange, GA on February 2, 1899, with the record high at 107F (42C) in LaFayette, AL and Rock Mills, AL in late July 1952. The Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. The easiest way to check is to call the corps generation information line at (706) 645-2929. A goal of the ACF river basin is to maintain a 9 feet (2.7m) deep waterway on the Apalachicola River. Good angling can be found all along the Chattahoochee, and certainly the reservoirs boast opportunity, but my preferred territory is a sparsely populated stretch of the river between Lake West Point and Lake Harding. During construction, rock was excavated should West Point need to add a navigable lock in the future to the right bank. Expect 200 to 300 businesses and homes in West Point to be flooded out. West Point, Georgia 31833, Water Levels/ Generation Schedule West Point Reservoir is a 25,864-acre mainstream Chattahoochee River impoundment located on the border of Alabama and Georgia, just north of Interstate 85 and an hour southwest of Atlanta. Hourly data provided from basin wide Data Control Points (DCP) if available, the information provided will include: Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. For panfish, I always keep an ultralight spinning outfit rigged with an in-line spinner. StubHub Ticket Marketplace. Southwestern provides a current day schedule - online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 - to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. Flood of Recordsince the West Point Dam was built in the early 1970soccurs. Search by city or zip code. [8]:2 This was done by using the flood pool level of 641 feet (195m) above sea level or 300 feet (91m) from the summer pool of 635 feet (194m), whichever was greater. This post dam flood of record occurred on May 9th2003at 23.2 feet. [10] With the wildlife previously mentioned, West Point Lake is a location where one has the ability to partake in hunting, fishing, shooting, and general wildlife viewing.[11]. ESRI's zoom levels must be between 14 and 16 to show National Flood Hazard layers. Generation Schedules Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Southwestern provides a current day schedule - online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 - to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. Generation Schedules Southwestern provides a current day schedule - online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 - to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. the Range of Possible River Levels, Weather Forecast Office Peachtree City/Atlanta, GA, Chance of Exceeding Levels During Entire Period, Short-term Probabilistic Guidance (Experimental), Corps of Engineers (COE) Info for West Point, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data and Site Info for West Point. The Chattahoochee River flows in a southwest direction for 235 miles (378km) to arrive at the West Point Dam after starting in the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia. Flood inducing storms are most likely to occur in the area during winter and early spring as fronts. Current conditions of GAGE HEIGHT are available. The final access before Bartletts Ferry is the boat ramp at Riverview. Many types of common animals found in the southeastern United States are also found in the West Point Lake area including different species of bass, crappie, waterfowl, snakes, and turtles. The lures, approach and watercraft will need to be adjusted in each of these states of flow. If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our. When the corps isnt pulling water, the river is very clear, and the bass are more finicky. Index to Web Pages - Find dams, gages, water management subjects, etc. Its not uncommon to catch 30-plus bream on a short trip, and Ive salvaged more than one tough day of bass fishing with a good, old-fashioned bream-catching extravaganza. Official E-Mail of Army West Point Athletics. Hundreds of businesses and homes in West Point as well as many . For Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Operated Reservoirs. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint. Mainly low places on West Point City Streets are flooded. Lock This is the official public website of the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. One of the highest crests of modern times prior to West Point Dam was 24.9 feet on February 261961. As such, the West Point Wildlife Management Area was created with a size of 8,952 acres (3,623ha). At West Point Lake there are downstream flow requirements that must be met. Its not uncommon to land healthy 3- to 5-pounders, with larger bass possible. A healthy 12V system will keep you from losing ground, but youll need a 24V or even a 36V setup to troll against the current. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. [6]:57 In February 1991, the GA Department of Natural Resources issued a fish consumption advisory for the lake, which extended downstream to Lake Harding on March 3. Why aren't the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers showing on the ESRI Map?Possible reasons: Note: Your zoom level may have changed. [4]:4.2-4.3. Big Hart McDuffie County, GA (706)595-2152 : MUNICIPAL BOAT LAUNCHING AREAS. NAD83/WGS84. PFDs are required to be worn at all times in this part of the river, not just in your possession. If the bream wont hit the spinners, a cricket or red wiggler under a cork will always coax them out for a bite. Today's Project Data Readings for today at Locks and Dams. There is a healthy population of bluegill, shellcrackers (red-eared sunfish) and redbreast. During low-water conditions, my best advice is to travel slowly and be mindful of obstructions lying just beneath the surface. On the drive in to work, I cant help but notice the bright pink flowers of an early dogwood bloom. Longitude: 85.182222 W, The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. Each year, thousands of anglers from across the southeast visit the lake to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and bream. This was not done earlier out of fear of flooding downstream during heavy rain periods. GDEcD. Evacuations needed. For me, this is an easy way to hit the water about 3 miles upstream of the nearest boat ramp. Hydropower Generation Schedules Hydropower Generation Schedules To view a hydropower generation schedule, select a power plant and date from the dropdowns. The Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park, and McGee Bridge Park. [13], The Chattahoochee River basin near West Point Lake is elongated and is on average 24 miles (39km) wide by 140 miles (230km) long and contains an area of 3,440 square miles (8,900km2) north of the West Point Dam. provided to the NWS by the gauge owner. In Lanett AlabamaSouth Gilmer Avenue and 1st Street flooded. After completion of the project the operation responsibility was turned over to Mobile District of the Army Corps of Engineers. endstream endobj startxref I utilize a kayak kart. Generation Schedules- Hourly power generation schedule. Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page I use my general purpose 5 weight fly rod and balsa popping bugs. The South is definitely blessed with good fishing opportunities. All other marks belong to their respective owners. As stated above, the generation schedule is subject to change at anytime. A lock ( [4]:3-3 Two major uses of the lake prescribed are power generation and recreation. [5]:1[14] Scientists were strongly attracted to West Point Lake for this reason and were eager to study the lake and the river. [8]:23[9]. The almost daily generation of water from West Point Lake means that the water will be much cooler in the river than on the main lake above. Equipment needs to be moved. [7] Thus making West Point Lake the most publicly accessible USACE lake in the basin. Wood and vegetation that stood high and dry is now flooded. Water quality was later added as an authorized purpose. When the corps begins releasing water, the level swiftly rises 3 to 4 feet in elevation, reading around 562 feet above sea level. This flooding caused much property damage in the local area. [17] For details. This access also has a nice concrete ramp and gravel parking area. The smaller percentage uses are: flood control, Fish and Wildlife, Area Redevelopment, and Navigation. Water data back to 1978 are available online. Water data back to 1978 are available online. US Army Corps of Engineers - Mobile District, CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER BELOW WEST POINT DAM, GA, GNSS2 - Level 2 Quality Survey Grade Global Navigation Satellite System. The official public website of the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. [5]:182-190 The American alligator has been spotted in the area however very rare. Important Legacy real-time page Monitoring location 02339402 is associated with a STREAM in TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA. West Point Lake has the highest shoreline mileage and percentage of total shoreline miles allocated to public recreation areas of all USACE lakes in the ACF river basin. TVA Fishing Conditions for Mobile Devices. The northern portion of the river basin is in the Blue Ridge Region, but the middle region, where West Point is located, is in the Piedmont Region, north of the fall line. While its very possible to have a successful outing during periods of generation or when no generation is occurring, your approach will need to be altered accordingly. [5]:1 Studies were done in the early 1990s in detail to determine the effects of the urban environment on the lake. For website corrections, write to CESAM-PA@usace.army.mil, An official website of the United States government, Commanders of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Walter F. George Lake & Lake George W. Andrews, Corrosion Control/Cathodic Protection (CC/CP), Selma, Alabama Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, Okaloosa County, Florida Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, Current Dredge Plant Certification Status, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Allatoona Dam, Buford Dam, Carters Dam, West Point Dam, Walter F. George Dam, Robert F. Henry Dam, Jim Woodruff Dam, and Millers Ferry Dam Nashville District, Corps of Engineers Barkley Dam, Cheatham, Old Hickory Dam, J. Percy Priest Dam, Center Hill Dam, Dale Hollow Dam, Wolf Creek Dam, Laurel Dam Savannah District, Corps of Engineers NOTE: River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. Waste Water Treatment Plant in West Point floods. On October 10, 1995, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers filed a lawsuit against the City of Atlanta for violation of the Clean Water Act by not upgrading facilities to meet standards. West Point Lake is a man-made reservoir located mostly in west-central Georgia on the Chattahoochee River and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In total, the lake has approximately 525 miles of shoreline. hm8|v West Point Lake and West Point, GA vicinity w/roadmap, Map of Georgia with rainfall (up to 28 days), Map of USGS gage locations in South Carolina (pertinent to Savannah River), Map of all USGS gages in US (zoom in for Georgia). Press enter or select the go button to submit request. The top of the dam is at 652 feet (199m) above sea level. West Point Dam and Powerhouse Visit Website Location 500 Resource Management Dr. West Point GA 31833 Get Directions Phone (706) 645-2937 Hours of Operation Monday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Tuesday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Wednesday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Thursday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Friday : 8:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday : 8:30pm - 4:30pm Sunday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Previous Major and extensive flooding occur. During the summer, convective thunderstorms are the leading source of rainfall with the occasional tropical storm. Without crossing directly over the lake, one must go to Franklin or West Point to cross the river. This ramp in the town of West Point is about 3 miles downriver from the West Point Lake Dam. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. The river is scenic along this stretch, and fishing opportunities are very good. Parent Handbook. YouTube Video of flood release, West Point Lake and upstream w/roadmap An official website of the United States government. Lanier, West Point, W.F. Usually available by 4 pm CT. Today's Schedule | Tomorrow's Schedule. Bartletts Ferry Columbus Home; Corporate Services; Academic Services; About us; Select Page The Chattahoochee, whose headwaters lie in the north Georgia mountains, takes on many forms in route to the Gulf of Mexico. Three fish in this list are the bluestripe shiner, southern brook lamprey, and the highscale shiner. The road across the dam is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time. There are multiple access points for both motor boaters and anglers using paddle craft. In addressing the issues, a program was created at a cost of $4 billion that removed over 400 million gallons a year of sewer drainage into the rivers. %%EOF seasonal variations in a hydropower generation schedule, the west point dam, boating and lanett, boating and valley area. Official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development 2023. Monthly chronological, Dam, powerhouse, lake (source: YouTube Video) Locked padlock NOTE: Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial . Also in 1966, a team discovered sites of archaeological significance and important sites were studied until 1971 before the lake was filled. Only one bird is on this tracked list, the bachman's sparrow, along with 19 plants that include a sunflower, azalea, and a strawberry plant. Evacuations are required. The Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had the design, land acquisition, and construction responsibility. The northern reaches of the Chattahoochee is trout water. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. West Point Lake begins at West Point Dam, 201.4 river miles (324.1 river km) north of the mouth of the Chattahoochee River, which is just north of the Jim Woodruff Dam or 3.2 river miles (5.1 river km) north of West Point, GA. West Point Lake is within 50 air miles (80 air km) of many semi-major cities in Georgia and Alabama. Prior to the construction of West Point Dam, the Chattahooche River flowed freely through the Valley area, including West Point, Georgia, and Valley and Lanett, Alabama, in its journey downstream. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. There is a concrete ramp and gravel parking. Moderate flooding begins. There are many animals, including some harmful to humans, in and around the area. Major and extensive flooding occurs. West Point Lake was filled from the river level at 565 feet (172m) above mean sea level (aMSL) to 617 feet (188m) aMSL. My favorites are Mepps Aglias and Wordens Rooster Tails. All Rights Reserved. For my springtime recreation, theres nothing like heading to the river, hoping that this is the year that my 10-pounder will come. On my most recent outings, working a small Texas-rigged plastic bait was the most successful technique for bass. When the lake was flooded, the floodplain would contain two historic covered bridges that would be inundated. USACE West Point Conducting Federal Boundary Line Inspection, West Point Lake Project Office Horizontal Datum: Mainly farm lands undergo some flooding. A lipless crankbait can also be an effective lure, but expect to snag underwater obstructions. If approaching from the north use Route 222 and turn south onto Route 212, proceed five miles, and turn left onto W Point Dam Road to reach the park entrance. . Many sportsmen will be looking at new calls and patterning various chokes and loads for another season chasing boisterous gobblers. In my experience, lower units and props yield before underwater rocks and logs. Largemouth, spotted bass and shoal bass all inhabit these waters. There are earth embankments that total 7,250 feet (2,210m) long with the dam and there is a roadway on top of the embankments and concrete that allows the public to cross the dam. For website corrections, write to sas-cco@usace.army.mil, An official website of the United States government, National Environmental Policy Act and Planning Process, Effects Determination Guidance for Endangered & Threatened Species (EDGES), Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. A benefit for kayak anglers is that due to shallow water and the presence of rocks, you wont encounter much boat traffic. Fishing the river during periods of no generation generally involves some finesse techniques for me. Couple that with the presence of exposed rock shoals and submerged boulders, boaters should exercise lots of caution. endstream endobj 19 0 obj <> endobj 20 0 obj <> endobj 21 0 obj <>stream It is possible to utilize a vessel powered by a traditional outboard during low water conditions, but travel cautiously and become familiar with the river and trails in between shoals. Before this, Walter F. George Lake and West Point Lake could not both be filled to their summer pools by the end of May without sacrificing water flow downstream and starving the Apalachicola River of needed water for navigation. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake was built for several purposes and cost an estimated $105 million. Lake West Point stores water to be released during dry seasons to help maintain the water level of the navigable inland waterway from Columbus, Ga. south to the Gulf . The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. Water enters into West Point Fire Headquarters. This area is filled with rocky shoals and is the shortest stretch of river, only a little less than 2 miles in length. As the days grow longer and the temperature warmer, Ill be on the river looking for my 10-pounderor maybe just a good mess of bream! While this requires more equipment than kayak fishing, the reward can be very handsome. ---ALLATOONA DAM AND LAKEBUFORD DAM/LAKE SIDNEY LANIERCARTERS DAM AND LAKEJIM WOODRUFF DAM/LAKE SEMINOLEJONES BLUFF. 244 Allatoona Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 334-7213 This ramp is about 3.25 miles downriver from the ramp in the town of West Point, Ga. There are also anglers who utilize boats set up to run jet outboards to navigate the shallow, rocky shoals. Construction of the dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 for flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation, fish and wildlife development and general recreation. Monthly (Sorted Month/Year) Heading south from the ramp in downtown West Point, you will encounter the next access on the western shore of the river in Valley, Ala. at the Shawmut Airport. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. During periods of no generation when the river is at normal at rest conditions, the average depth of the river is only 2 to 3 feet in most places. Generation is always subject to change from the recorded information, so always be aware of current conditions. [4]:2-5, After being approved in 1964, construction began in 1965 with the west embankment and powerhouse access road being completed first in 1966. [5]:14 On 19 July 1988, the water being released from the lake downstream had become eutrophic and thus killing fish in the river. George, Andrews, Woodruff. Evacuations needed. Preteens and visitors with disabilities can also fish in a pond at Hardley Creek Park. Minor flooding begins.