In the late 50's and early 60's the communities, along with their political representatives, called upon the Federal Government for assistance. West Point Dam is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Without crossing directly over the lake, one must go to Franklin or West Point to cross the river. Generation is always subject to change from the recorded information, so always be aware of current conditions. As the cities downstream continued to grow with new homes and businesses, the need to protect lives and property from flooding increased as well. Water data back to 1978 are available online. When the mercury rises and bass become sluggish in bathwater-warm reservoirs, theres nothing like getting a bait hammered by a fish in cool, 70-degree water. For details. [5]:1 Studies were done in the early 1990s in detail to determine the effects of the urban environment on the lake. The West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. Waste Water Treatment Plant in West Point floods. Official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development 2023. 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. [5]:182-190 The American alligator has been spotted in the area however very rare. Generation Schedules- Hourly power generation schedule. Current conditions of GAGE HEIGHT are available. In 1998, two Federal Consent Decrees were ordered for the City of Atlanta to address its under-maintained wastewater system. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. I typically focus on bass fishing during periods of generation, relegating my bream fishing for low-water conditions. Major flooding begins. 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. Additionally, the rocks can be slippery. [7] The purposes of the reservoir are to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water storage to aid the navigation of the lower Chattahoochee. [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]. 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. Mainly farm lands undergo some flooding. The smaller percentage uses are: flood control, Fish and Wildlife, Area Redevelopment, and Navigation. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake was built for several purposes and cost an estimated $105 million. Most of the time, rainfall is evenly distributed over all four seasons with a yearly average of 52.93 inches (1,344mm). Mainly low places on West Point City Streets are flooded. It has a 321 feet (98m) long and 164.5 feet (50.1m) deep power generation building which houses three main 48.8 MW units and one small 3.3 MW unit on the western portion of the dam and a 350 feet (110m) spillway on the eastern portion, both which are controlled via microwave link at Walter F. George Lake with a local override. provided to the NWS by the gauge owner. [18] In 2015 and 2017, bacteria levels were tested and published in the media showing normal and safe levels. 244 Allatoona Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 334-7213 Major to serious flooding occurs. This authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct West Point Dam. In recent years, kayak angling has made tremendous gains in popularity. The northern reaches of the Chattahoochee is trout water. When the corps begins releasing water, the level swiftly rises 3 to 4 feet in elevation, reading around 562 feet above sea level. Evacuations are required. The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the release of water used in the generation of hydropower. The South is definitely blessed with good fishing opportunities. Flood of Recordsince the West Point Dam was built in the early 1970soccurs. The mouth of any small feeder stream is a great spot to pick off a bass or two. 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. Dam East Powerhouse (Units 5 & 6) West Powerhouse (Units 1 - 4) Lake Harding . Typically, a simple Texas rig is my go-to. Travelling from the south from West Point, it is about a six minute drive. A couple of my favorites are Senkos and Trick Worms. The dam itself began construction in May 1968 and was later completed in August 1970. 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. YouTube Video of flood release, West Point Lake and upstream w/roadmap Red colors such as crawfish or Rayburn red always produce well for me. If the bream wont hit the spinners, a cricket or red wiggler under a cork will always coax them out for a bite. In my experience, lower units and props yield before underwater rocks and logs. There are many animals, including some harmful to humans, in and around the area. 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. This area is filled with rocky shoals and is the shortest stretch of river, only a little less than 2 miles in length. The river takes on a much different appearance when the corps releases water from the spillway at West Point Dam. As a result, the United States Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1962. Due to swift currents and underwater obstructions, a Carolina rig or even a shaky head will get hung often and cause lots of frustration. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial . Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and A goal of the ACF river basin is to maintain a 9 feet (2.7m) deep waterway on the Apalachicola River. Man-made reservoirs Lanier, West Point, Harding, Eufaula and Seminole lie along its path. 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. Search by city or zip code. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waterway, running 260 river miles from Apalachicola, Florida to Columbus, Georgia. 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. The next two accesses have spillway dams between them, so removing your vessel and driving will be necessary. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park, and McGee Bridge Park. All Rights Reserved. Highway 29 on left bank22 city blocks of West Point businesses floodand 5 blocks of residences on left bank flood. Why aren't the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers showing on the ESRI Map?Possible reasons: Note: Your zoom level may have changed. It would cost more than $100 million but would provide for flood control, a source of hydropower and public recreation. Prior to West Point Dam going into operation in 1975, West Point had experienced an average of one flood a year every year since 1900, a flood being defined as having water in the street on West 3rd Avenue in front of the present location of CenterState Bank. I use the lightest bullet-head sinker I can get away with that will still give my worm a nice, smooth fall. The most important item in the boat for this type of fishing is a good foot-controlled trolling motor and fresh batteries. City HallPoliceand Fire Departments get some minor water into edge of parking lot. A benefit for kayak anglers is that due to shallow water and the presence of rocks, you wont encounter much boat traffic. Evacuations required. There are also anglers who utilize boats set up to run jet outboards to navigate the shallow, rocky shoals. At times, the West Point Dam can be crossed for a slightly shorter southern path. VZrlN Hu3v})TBxf<3c8006`$hq05jPr2`Dl +k} J) k@8~$@*A1@d\l-r9|"Se,FTc M%JbJe8&:)*kr?p>4 *EvW-fy}$NlC3O|O$ (26wQ (KP, 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. Another sure sign that Old Man Winters time is short, yellow pollen will soon blanket everything. l@([P2jd*]AK+%vCv-`A=F2QL X? \8D=%*K>=je sA&/iK All Rights Reserved. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. Evacuations are required. The schedules are updated daily. West Point Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 645-2929 W F George Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (866) 772-9542 ext. Army A Club. SWPA-75. For Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Operated Reservoirs. Major and extensive flooding occur. Evacuations needed. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. Longitude: 85.182222 W, Surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields, West Point Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. 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 . Two snakes known to the area that are venomous are the copperhead and cottonmouth. When the corps isnt pulling water, the river is very clear, and the bass are more finicky. 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. 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. NOTE: Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. The Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. Moderate flooding begins. The river splits in several places and is also blocked by the Crow Hop Dam. [3]:6, In 2016, West Point Lake recorded 36 parks, 2 marinas, and 7 campgrounds. 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. These are; a minimum flow of 670 cfs for water quality directly below the dam and a varying minimum flow requirement for endangered species in the Apalachicola River. US Army Corps of Engineers - Mobile District, CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER BELOW WEST POINT DAM, GA, GNSS2 - Level 2 Quality Survey Grade Global Navigation Satellite System. Hydropower Generation Schedules Hydropower Generation Schedules To view a hydropower generation schedule, select a power plant and date from the dropdowns. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. seasonal variations in a hydropower generation schedule, the west point dam, boating and lanett, boating and valley area. 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. weight is usually ideal. [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. [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. The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the . Fishing pressure is light, and the action can be outstanding for a variety of species. Hundreds of businesses and homes in West Point as well as many . Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates The West Point Dam and Powerhouse at sunrise in March 2012. Minor flooding begins. . Construction began in the mid-1960's and was completed in 1975, taking about ten years. [6]:14,58, Also in 1991, as pollution damage was realized, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) and the City of Atlanta made a timetable to reduce phosphorus by the late 1990s. Explore 11 Great Waterfalls (with Hikes) in Georgia, 10 Best Things to Do this Winter in Georgia, 10 Great Spots to Dine Outside this Winter, Top Places to Catch Georgia Sports with the Family.