Each year, Alabama Power’s hydroelectric team closely monitors rainfall, water flows, lake elevations and overall system conditions to evaluate whether Lake Martin can remain at higher summer pool levels later into the fall. The process is thorough and outlined below are just a few of the steps the team takes to determine whether conditions support implementation of the Martin Conditional Fall Extension.
- Alabama Power’s system of hydropower dams and lakes plays an important role in providing safe and reliable energy to our customers. Martin Dam and Lake Martin are a big part of that commitment.
- Each September, there is a possibility of allowing Lake Martin to stay at higher levels through mid-October, rather than beginning its gradual drop toward winter levels. Known as the Martin Conditional Fall Extension, this extension of the normal summer lake levels depends on several factors, including current lake levels and water flows in the system.
- Beginning in July, we review these conditions weekly and, based on the results, determine how likely it is that an extension of summer lake levels can occur in Sept. as required by Martin’s FERC license. We share those likelihood assessments through our Shorelines app.
- Beginning Sept. 1, conditions are reviewed daily, and an extension may be implemented at any point that month if conditions allow.
- If the fall extension is implemented, it will remain in effect through Oct. 15 and may conclude earlier if warranted by lake conditions.
- If conditions have not been met by Oct. 1, we will notify the public through the Shorelines app that the extension will not be implemented.
- It’s important to know that implementing the extension does not mean the lake level will remain at summer level until Oct. 15, but rather the lake will remain as high as possible during that period depending on several factors, including rainfall.
Lake conditions, including elevation, are always subject to change – so please be mindful of personal and property safety.
