Lake Lanier At Highest Levels Since 1964

Caption

Radko Jonas jumps into the water to retrieve a life vest that blew away as rain clouds approach at Lake Lanier Tuesday, July 19, 2016. / AP

Lake Lanier is at its highest water level since 1964 and Atlanta has experienced the most rainfall since 2017.

GPB's Sarah Rose reports on the rising water levels at Lake Lanier.

Lake Lanier Association President John Barker said the conditions are unusual.

“I live on the very north end of the lake and its as high I've ever seen,” Barker said. “It's also probably as dirty as I've ever seen it because of the speed with which the rain came down and the intensity of it.”

Barker said the LLA is monitoring the flooding and anticipates that the water will continue to rise. However, the LLA has no plans at the moment to push for a release of the lake.

“The problem with the release of the lake right now is that downstream people are having the same problem we're having,” he said. “So, releasing more water downstream would just create more problems downstream.”

Residents around the lake are being told to be attentive to how the rising waters are affecting their neighbor’s docks and boating equipment, and to help out when possible.

“The thing I like to say is look around, because everybody's got a little bit of a different situation and some people need more help than others,” Barker said.

Local resident Graham Mark David said the rise in water level hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I drive past small sections of the lake on the way to my studio where I work,” David said. “I’ve gotta say, seeing the lake as close to the road as it’s been is a little disconcerting.”