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. Especially during those hot summer days, the cool, oxygen-rich waters being released signal a dinner bell for hungry fish. 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. Theres almost always a panfish hanging around, and Ive been pleasantly surprised many times with a sharp strike from a bass cruising the shallows for his next meal. Interpreting hydrographs and NWS watch, warnings, and forecasts, and inundation maps, Survey grade GPS equipment, FEMA flood plain maps, newer USGS topographic maps, Older USGS topographic maps, NGVD29 benchmarks, Older USGS topographic maps, MSL benchmarks. Evacuations need to begin. The stretch of the Chattahoochee River below West Point Dam is a scenic and largely unpopulated stretch of river. StubHub Ticket Marketplace. In addition to the large available public areas, the land buffer around the lake, regardless of allocation, is considered public land. [3]:6, In 2016, West Point Lake recorded 36 parks, 2 marinas, and 7 campgrounds. 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. Today's Project Data Readings for today at Locks and Dams. 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. 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 Generally updated at 5:30 a.m. EST, there is a pre-recorded message advising of the latest planned generation for the day you are calling. Fishing the river during periods of no generation generally involves some finesse techniques for me. Im not aware of any steady commercial shuttle service in operation currently in this area, but a relatively new kayak dealer, GLL Marine, plans to begin operating a shuttle in the future to cover parts of the river below the West Point Lake Dam. US Army Corps of Engineers - Mobile District, CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER BELOW WEST POINT DAM, GA, GNSS2 - Level 2 Quality Survey Grade Global Navigation Satellite System. Visit https://www.weather.gov/owp/operations for access to new EXPERIMENTAL products and services from the National Water Center: National Hydrologic Discussion, Area Hydrologic Discussion, Flood Hazard Outlook and the National Water Center Visualization Services, a suite of geospatial services depicting River Forecast Center and National Water Model information. If the bream wont hit the spinners, a cricket or red wiggler under a cork will always coax them out for a bite. Thunderstorms produce much of the rainfall during the summer months as well as frontal systems. 244 Allatoona Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 334-7213 My preferred method, however, involves the use of kayaks. . OP - powerhouse release in 1000 cfs. 500 Resource Management Drive In my experience, lower units and props yield before underwater rocks and logs. 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. There are many animals, including some harmful to humans, in and around the area. West Point Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 645-2929 W F George Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (866) 772-9542 ext. In Lanett AlabamaSouth Gilmer Avenue and 1st Street flooded. A major factor in building West Point Lake was navigation. In Alabama it has: Phenix City, Opelika-Auburn, and Roanoke. Flood waters enter parking lots near Fire House and 911 Center. The road across the dam is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. View the Enhanced Operating Capability Products and Services StoryMap here. 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. Sometimes this is the easiest method when youre fishing alone or plan to cover only a short stretch of water. 03-6403-3757 info@aspire-communications.com. When the corps isnt pulling water, the river is very clear, and the bass are more finicky. With an average current, you could expect to float this stretch in three hours or so with minimal paddling effort. The South is definitely blessed with good fishing opportunities. TVA Fishing Conditions for Mobile Devices. =$@(\- T bHa!H6&w 3 I also keep a shallow-running crankbait tied on and cast to the mouths of creeks where bass hide looking for an easy meal. [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. Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and This stretch of river lies between the Langdale Dam and Riverview Dam. There are also anglers who utilize boats set up to run jet outboards to navigate the shallow, rocky shoals. [5]:182-190 The American alligator has been spotted in the area however very rare. [19] In another part of the lawsuit, the City of Atlanta was issued a $2.5 million fine and volunteered to remove trash and establish greenways. PFDs are required to be worn at all times in this part of the river, not just in your possession. While this requires more equipment than kayak fishing, the reward can be very handsome. The lake's 525 miles of shoreline provide excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, boating and other recreational activities. Mobile Corps Water Mgt Home Page Hydropower Generation Schedule West Point Lake Recreation Wikipedia West Point on Facebook Pictures from google ACF Basin Inflow Fishing & Hunting Georgia Outdoor News Lake & Recreation Map . Mainly farm lands undergo some flooding. Please keep in mind cadets do need to navigate much of the 47-month experience on their own, but we hope you will find this information helpful as you support your son or daughter in their . The main channel was closed in May 1967 and diverted through the east bank. Many sportsmen will be looking at new calls and patterning various chokes and loads for another season chasing boisterous gobblers. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. hb```f``jd`c`eag@ ~V(&FEgL\ 8mv><56Z4M{9t A[KC,GP`2]uNdMj8qr$Lfw 2:8p2PT I,dg`w1Cm&(` D This was not done earlier out of fear of flooding downstream during heavy rain periods. endstream endobj 19 0 obj <> endobj 20 0 obj <> endobj 21 0 obj <>stream I-85 southbound will close as entrance and exit ramps flood. The dam itself began construction in May 1968 and was later completed in August 1970. Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page The smaller percentage uses are: flood control, Fish and Wildlife, Area Redevelopment, and Navigation. 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. All Rights Reserved. Most of the time, rainfall is evenly distributed over all four seasons with a yearly average of 52.93 inches (1,344mm). West Point Project Management Office:Open Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm ET, Summer SeasonMonday - SundayApril -September, Winter SeasonMonday- FridayOctober - March. Press enter or select the go button to submit request. The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the . [4]:2.1-2.5[2]. If fishing or otherwise using the area below Hartwell Dam please use extreme caution. Bankfull is reached in many locations especially on the Alabama side or right bank of the river downstream from the river gauge. A 1/4- or 3/8-oz. 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. In total, the lake has approximately 525 miles of shoreline. Without crossing directly over the lake, one must go to Franklin or West Point to cross the river. 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. This ramp in the town of West Point is about 3 miles downriver from the West Point Lake Dam. endstream endobj startxref River levels varied according to the amount of rainfall, and flooding was not uncommon. The lake is surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields extending 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial . Evacuations required. Below WP Dam (3443 SM) @ West Pt, GA (3550 SM) @ 14th Street, Columbus (4630 SM) . Phone. The single biggest factor to fishing this stretch of the Chattahoochee is generation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As stated above, the generation schedule is subject to change at anytime. Parking lots of West Point City Hall911 CenterPolice Departmentand Fire Department flooded out. When the lake was flooded, the floodplain would contain two historic covered bridges that would be inundated. 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 Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. Of all the things indicated by dogwood blooms, biting fish is decidedly my favorite. Official websites use .gov After building West Point Lake, it was decided to raise the winter pool from 625 to 628 feet (191 to 191m) aMSL. Many others, myself included, will be looking to pattern bass, bream and crappie. Just be aware that the gate to the ramp is locked each night at 9 p.m. and is not reopened until the following morning. [14][20], Many factors affect the lake and its basin. Monitoring location 02339402 is associated with a STREAM in TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA. Flood of Recordsince the West Point Dam was built in the early 1970soccurs. 2023 Georgia Outdoor News. Why does West Point Lake's water level fluctuate so much? 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 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. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map One of the principal advantages to kayak fishing is that you dont need much to launch your vessel. When West Point Lake was filled, habitats for deer, dove, quail, and waterfowl were lost which caused important migratory bird routes to be disturbed. Another very enjoyable way to catch these feisty river bream is with a long road and popping bugs. Largemouth, spotted bass and shoal bass all inhabit these waters. West Point Dam controls 85% of the project inflow West Point releases vary from 600-800 cfs minimum flow to 18,000 cfs peaking flow Large Corps reservoirs in the ACF Basin drive Bartletts Ferry operations . 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. Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. Current conditions of BAROMETRIC PRESSURE, ELEVATION OF RESERVOIR WATER SURFACE ABOVE DATUM, PRECIPITATION, and MORE are available. 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. [4]:4.2-4.3. With the exception of personal property (a boat dock) and the prohibited areas, the public is allowed anywhere on this buffer as an issued permit does not allow private exclusive rights anywhere on USACE property. Water data back to 1978 are available online. United States. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Red colors such as crawfish or Rayburn red always produce well for me. 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. Hundreds of homes and businesses flooded. Its not uncommon to land healthy 3- to 5-pounders, with larger bass possible. The easiest way to check is to call the corps generation information line at . [4]:3-3,3-4, West Point Dam is a 896ft 132ft 20.5ft (273.1m 40.2m 6.2m)(LxHxD) concrete dam completed in 1975. Construction began in the mid-1960's and was completed in 1975, taking about ten years. When these river bass are active, soft jerkbaits work very well. An endangered species, the Bald eagle, is frequently seen in this part of the lake. However this data is slightly misleading as Georgia does not use PCBs anymore thus contaminated fish are older from previous years. In my home area of west Georgia and east Alabama, the flow of the Chattahoochee River forms the boundary between the two states. The is no boat ramp behind West Point Dam, but parking is just a few yards from the river, so its an easy portage. One of the highest crests of modern times prior to West Point Dam was 24.9 feet on February 26.1961. Water data back to 1975 are available online. Official E-Mail of Army West Point Athletics. Flood inducing storms are most likely to occur in the area during winter and early spring as fronts. YouTube Video of flood release, West Point Lake and upstream w/roadmap West Point, Georgia 31833, Water Levels/ Generation Schedule GDEcD. Another option is to put in and paddle upriver before you begin fishing. Levels varied according to the west point dam schedule, the cities downstream continued to stay here. Lanier, West Point, W.F. This access also has a nice concrete ramp and gravel parking area. All times are listed in local time. The top of the dam is at 652 feet (199m) above sea level. West Point Dam is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Depending on water level, the dam holds back anywhere from 442,295 to 774,798 acre-feet (545,563,000 to 955,699,000m3) of water. I typically focus on bass fishing during periods of generation, relegating my bream fishing for low-water conditions. Predatory species will hide in these newly flooded areas and pick off tasty meals that pass by. This flooding caused much property damage in the local area. Minor flooding begins. 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. Man-made reservoirs Lanier, West Point, Harding, Eufaula and Seminole lie along its path. There is a concrete ramp and gravel parking. 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. 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 West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. When no generation is occurring and the river is at rest, the gauge in downtown West Point will typically read around 558 feet above sea level. 80 0 obj <>stream LnRiLWZpZWxkcy1hbmQtdGV4dFtkYXRhLXRvb2xzZXQtYmxvY2tzLWZpZWxkcy1hbmQtdGV4dD0iNTk3ZjcyZmExMGUwNjYwNDM2NTUxMzk4NmUzOWYwZGMiXSB7IG1hcmdpbi10b3A6IDVweDttYXJnaW4tYm90dG9tOiA1cHg7IH0g. [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. There are no FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers for the location which you are viewing on ESRI Maps. The Hartwell power generation schedule recording is available by calling toll free 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300 anytime. Also in 1966, a team discovered sites of archaeological significance and important sites were studied until 1971 before the lake was filled. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake was built for several purposes and cost an estimated $105 million. I use my general purpose 5 weight fly rod and balsa popping bugs. Major and extensive flooding occurs. . West Overlook Park: Leaving West Overlook Viewpoint, return to CR212 and turn R. Drive .1 mi to sign for West Overlook Park.