The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. For me, this is an easy way to hit the water about 3 miles upstream of the nearest boat ramp. Monthly chronological, Dam, powerhouse, lake (source: YouTube Video) 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. [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. Fishing The Chattahoochee Below West Point Dam. 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. Also in 1966, a team discovered sites of archaeological significance and important sites were studied until 1971 before the lake was filled. For my springtime recreation, theres nothing like heading to the river, hoping that this is the year that my 10-pounder will come. The most important item in the boat for this type of fishing is a good foot-controlled trolling motor and fresh batteries. Fishing pressure is light, and the action can be outstanding for a variety of species. Couple that with the presence of exposed rock shoals and submerged boulders, boaters should exercise lots of caution. For panfish, I always keep an ultralight spinning outfit rigged with an in-line spinner. The West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. As a result, the United States Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1962. In my experience, lower units and props yield before underwater rocks and logs. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. The stretch of the Chattahoochee River below West Point Dam is a scenic and largely unpopulated stretch of river. The next two accesses have spillway dams between them, so removing your vessel and driving will be necessary. [7] The purposes of the reservoir are to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water storage to aid the navigation of the lower Chattahoochee. Generation Southeastern's Power Operations employees perform the tasks of declaring, scheduling, dispatching, and accounting for capacity and energy generated at the 22 hydroelectric projects in the agency's 11-state marketing area. During construction, rock was excavated should West Point need to add a navigable lock in the future to the right bank. 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. Thunderstorms produce much of the rainfall during the summer months as well as frontal systems. USACE West Point Conducting Federal Boundary Line Inspection, West Point Lake Project Office 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. [5][6], Starting in the late 1970s, the lake was beginning to have water quality issues,[15] which affected lake usership and eventually caused local economic damage. 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 A major factor in building West Point Lake was navigation. The river basin evolves from a clear-water flow with rocky shoals exposed, to a powerful current with newly flooded wood and vegetation for both bait and game species of fish. [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]. The official public website of the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. endstream endobj startxref GPS: N32 55.858 W085 12.078. 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. My preferred method, however, involves the use of kayaks. Mainly low places on West Point City Streets are flooded. After completion of the project the operation responsibility was turned over to Mobile District of the Army Corps of Engineers. 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. Highway 29 on left bank22 city blocks of West Point businesses floodand 5 blocks of residences on left bank flood. My all-time favorite technique during periods of generation is to troll against the current and pitch soft plastics against flooded brush. YouTube Video of flood release, West Point Lake and upstream w/roadmap Equipment needs to be moved. Upon hearing the horn, immediately get out of the river area and get to land on the side of the river. I imagine that the river bottom of this stretch doesnt look much different today than when the first residents of east Alabama and west Georgia, the Creek Indians, lived along its shores. 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. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. Big Hart McDuffie County, GA (706)595-2152 : MUNICIPAL BOAT LAUNCHING AREAS. Bartletts Ferry Columbus 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. While this requires more equipment than kayak fishing, the reward can be very handsome. A project in partnership with the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Dept. Largemouth, spotted bass and shoal bass all inhabit these waters. Usually available by 4 pm CT. Today's Schedule | Tomorrow's Schedule. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. Major flooding begins. West Point, Georgia 31833, Water Levels/ Generation Schedule If the bream wont hit the spinners, a cricket or red wiggler under a cork will always coax them out for a bite. 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. If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our. NAD83/WGS84. of Conservation and Alabama Audubon. An air horn will sound for one minute prior to the release of water into the river to warn persons who may be fishing or wading from the rocks in the river bed. Official websites use .gov Discussion The existing Sam Rayburn Dam rate schedule is based on the Southwestern 2015 power repayment studies (PRSs). There are four types of access, known as shoreline allocations, at West Point Lake. Major and extensive flooding occurs. I typically focus on bass fishing during periods of generation, relegating my bream fishing for low-water conditions. The first generator was completed in May 1974; however, diking problems did not allow filling of the lake to begin until October 16, 1974. The top of the dam is at 652 feet (199m) above sea level. For details. Current conditions of GAGE HEIGHT are available. PFDs are required to be worn at all times in this part of the river, not just in your possession. [18] In 2015 and 2017, bacteria levels were tested and published in the media showing normal and safe levels. The single biggest factor to fishing this stretch of the Chattahoochee is generation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The road across the dam is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time. In addition to the large available public areas, the land buffer around the lake, regardless of allocation, is considered public land. 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. [5]:14 On 19 July 1988, the water being released from the lake downstream had become eutrophic and thus killing fish in the river. The Hartwell power generation schedule recording is available by calling toll free 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300 anytime. A good day can yield a catch of all three species. Georgia Outdoor News is your best source for timely news about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in the state of Georgia. 03-6403-3757 info@aspire-communications.com. The schedules are updated daily. In addition to the West Point Wildlife Management Area, two other wildlife management areas were created, Dixie Creek Area at 711 acres (288ha) and Glover's Creek Area at 337 acres (136ha). United States. Regardless of which stretch of the river you decide to fish, anytime youre kayaking on moving water, its a good idea to fish with a buddy and drop a vehicle where you plan to take out. Two snakes known to the area that are venomous are the copperhead and cottonmouth. Water data back to 1978 are available online. In Lanett AlabamaSouth Gilmer Avenue and 1st Street flooded. LnRiLWZpZWxkcy1hbmQtdGV4dFtkYXRhLXRvb2xzZXQtYmxvY2tzLWZpZWxkcy1hbmQtdGV4dD0iNTk3ZjcyZmExMGUwNjYwNDM2NTUxMzk4NmUzOWYwZGMiXSB7IG1hcmdpbi10b3A6IDVweDttYXJnaW4tYm90dG9tOiA1cHg7IH0g. Predatory species will hide in these newly flooded areas and pick off tasty meals that pass by. 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 Why aren't the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers showing on the ESRI Map?Possible reasons: Note: Your zoom level may have changed. 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). A benefit for kayak anglers is that due to shallow water and the presence of rocks, you wont encounter much boat traffic. The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the . The daily fines were already at $9,000 per day and had totalled $20 million by 1997 for failing to complete sewer overflow treatment systems.[16][17][18]. This act provided that the project be constructed for flood control hydroelectric power generation,recreation, navigation,and fish and wildlife management. 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. Hydroelectric generation keeps the river in a constant state of flux, so the old adage that you never fish the same river twice is especially true here. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park, and McGee Bridge Park. 20 Up-and-Comers to Watch in the West Point Dam Generation Schedule Industry First Aid For Eye Emergencies Certainly not known physical habitat will attempt to meet this point dam at location The author fishes this small lake from his kayak. When the corps isnt pulling water, the river is very clear, and the bass are more finicky. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. 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. When the corps begins releasing water, the level swiftly rises 3 to 4 feet in elevation, reading around 562 feet above sea level. TVA Fishing Conditions for Mobile Devices. 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. Hourly Data. Lock Important Legacy real-time page Monitoring location 02339402 is associated with a STREAM in TROUP COUNTY, 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. weight is usually ideal. (706) 645-2929. A couple of my favorites are Senkos and Trick Worms. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [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. There are also anglers who utilize boats set up to run jet outboards to navigate the shallow, rocky shoals. All of the piers provide access for persons with disabilities. The stretch of the Chattahoochee River below West Point Dam is a scenic and largely unpopulated stretch of river. Evacuations needed. River levels varied according to the amount of rainfall, and flooding was not uncommon. 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. Both sides of the lake are easily accessible from their respective sides, however crossing the lake can prove challenging as there are only two bridges that cross the main channel.