Continuing drought may affect Lake Lanier boating

As the drought in North Georgia persists and the level of Lake Lanier falls below 1,064 feet, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has posted an update to its Facebook page advising visitors of potential boat ramp closures and other impacts.

As of Sunday afternoon, Lake Lanier's level was 1,063.42 feet, down about 4.3 inches from Monday, Oct. 10, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Full pool is 1,071 feet above sea level.

A fall of one foot of water level, from 1,064 to 1,063 feet, will mean 14 fewer usable boat ramps and four fewer courtesy docks, and the Simpson, Robinson, Duckett Mill and Nix Bridge ramps will close, the Corps said.

The Corps also posted winter park closures, effective Oct. 2: Buford Dam Park, Lanier Park, Upper Overlook, Lower Pool East, Burton Mill Park (partial), Long Hollow (partial) and Keiths Bridge (partial). Winter park hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normal operations will resume in March 2017.

Information: http://bit.ly/2d32DR5