Lake Hartwell Enters Drought Trigger Level 2

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, has declared a Drought Trigger Level 2 on Lake Hartwell and Lake Thurmond in response to the pool elevations at Lake Thurmond.

Currently, Lake Hartwell is seven feet below full pool. Full pool is 660 ft. mean sea level.

The current pool elevations as of November 1, 2023, are 653.50 ft. msl. for Lake Hartwell, and 323.34 ft-msl for Lake Thurmond.

The Corps limits outflow from Thurmond Dam to a daily average of 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) after entering Drought Trigger Level 2, and as of November 1, outflows were further reduced to 3,600 cfs as part of the wintertime flow reduction which will continue through January 31, 2024.

Water managers also adjust Lake 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.

The three reservoirs on the Upper Savannah River operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, declared a Drought Trigger Level 1 on Sunday, Sept. 10 in response to the pool elevation at J. Strom Thurmond Lake dipping below 326.0 ft-msl.

On September 10, Lake Hartwell’s level was four feet below full pool at 656.28 ft-msl and it was 325.98 ft-msl at Lake Thurmond. Under the current drought plan, the Corps limited outflow from Thurmond Dam to a daily average of 4,200 cfs, according to Drought Trigger Level 1.

Savannah River Basin rainfall totaled to about 48% of the average inflows for September-October 2023. The reservoirs have not experienced sustained inflows that low during those months since last year at this time.

June-August 2023 inflows (rain) were about 70% of the average inflows, and the reservoirs did not experience sustained inflows that low, during those months since June-August 2022.

Corps officials urge boaters to use extreme caution when on Lake Hartwell or Lakes Thurmond and Russell.

Because of the low water level, rocks and tree stumps, normally deep underwater, will be closer to the surface, some just out of sight. These obstructions form a particular hazard in coves and along the shoreline. Boaters should use the main channel whenever possible.

All lake visitors should always wear a life jacket whenever in, on, or near the water.

For more information about drought conditions in the Savannah Basin, please visit our frequently asked questions page at:Balancing the Basin