The first ramp that you will encounter on a float from the dam is a newly constructed ramp on the eastern shore of the river downtown the small town of West Point, Ga. The northern reaches of the Chattahoochee is trout water. 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. A lipless crankbait can also be an effective lure, but expect to snag underwater obstructions. There are no FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers for the location which you are viewing on ESRI Maps. This act provided that the project be constructed for flood control hydroelectric power generation,recreation, navigation,and fish and wildlife management. Annual (Year by year) In recent years, kayak angling has made tremendous gains in popularity. Two snakes known to the area that are venomous are the copperhead and cottonmouth. Only one bird is on this tracked list, the bachman's sparrow, along with 19 plants that include a sunflower, azalea, and a strawberry plant. Hundreds of businesses and homes in West Point as well as many . The lake is surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields extending 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. During the summer, a temperature difference of 15 degrees is normal, and the water is oxygen-rich, which can make the bass much more aggressive than their counterparts on the main lake. of Conservation and Alabama Audubon. The West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. TW - tailwater elevation in feet above mean sea level. Another very enjoyable way to catch these feisty river bream is with a long road and popping bugs. This ramp in the town of West Point is about 3 miles downriver from the West Point Lake Dam. NAD83/WGS84. 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. SG - reservoir storage in 1000 acre-feet. In the late 50's and early 60's the communities, along with their political representatives, called upon the Federal Government for assistance. In 1998, two Federal Consent Decrees were ordered for the City of Atlanta to address its under-maintained wastewater system. . The river takes on a much different appearance when the corps releases water from the spillway at West Point Dam. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. weight is usually ideal. As of 2012, 97 percent of sewage from the 1990s was removed and expected to keep improving. A lock ( The first generator was completed in May 1974; however, diking problems did not allow filling of the lake to begin until October 16, 1974. This access also has a nice concrete ramp and gravel parking area. United States. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. River levels varied according to the amount of rainfall, and flooding was not uncommon. [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. Major flooding in West Point and to a lesser extent in Lanettas basements of 100 to 200 hundred businesses in West Point are flooded. A healthy 12V system will keep you from losing ground, but youll need a 24V or even a 36V setup to troll against the current. Of all the things indicated by dogwood blooms, biting fish is decidedly my favorite. West Point Lake Pertinent . USACE West Point Conducting Federal Boundary Line Inspection, West Point Lake Project Office 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. [4]:2.1-2.5[2]. Moderate flooding begins. Important Legacy real-time page Monitoring location 02339402 is associated with a STREAM in TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA. 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). In 1998, an investigation for polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs) was completed and found fish contaminated. There are four types of access, known as shoreline allocations, at West Point Lake. Why does West Point Lake's water level fluctuate so much? 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. 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. Getting on the river in low-water conditions is an excellent way to learn the best paths between rocks and shoals, what types of cover are present, and learn potential areas to fish when the water rises. [7] Thus making West Point Lake the most publicly accessible USACE lake in the basin. 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. One of the highest crests of modern times prior to West Point Dam was 24.9 feet on February 26.1961. A goal of the ACF river basin is to maintain a 9 feet (2.7m) deep waterway on the Apalachicola River. 24.75: Major and extensive flooding occurs. Highway 29 on left bank22 city blocks of West Point businesses floodand 5 blocks of residences on left bank flood. 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]:23[9]. The river splits in several places and is also blocked by the Crow Hop Dam. Darker colors such as black and green pumpkin are my most productive. Home; Corporate Services; Academic Services; About us; Select Page As stated above, the generation schedule is subject to change at anytime. This was not done earlier out of fear of flooding downstream during heavy rain periods. Press enter or select the go button to submit request. My preferred method, however, involves the use of kayaks. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates purposes as desired. A good day can yield a catch of all three species. In Georgia it has: Columbus, LaGrange, Newnan, Peachtree City, Carrollton and some parts of Atlanta. 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. 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 . FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layers not showing? 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. 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. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial . Travelling from the south from West Point, it is about a six minute drive. A project in partnership with the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Dept. 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. When the lake was flooded, the floodplain would contain two historic covered bridges that would be inundated. 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. A 1/4- or 3/8-oz. At times, the West Point Dam can be crossed for a slightly shorter southern path. Fishing pressure is light, and the action can be outstanding for a variety of species. I find this to be the most productive method for fishing the low-water conditions between periods of generation. Mainly farm lands undergo some flooding. The lake is tested regularly to the United States Environmental Protection Agency standards, results are posted for public view, and court admissible. 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. A benefit for kayak anglers is that due to shallow water and the presence of rocks, you wont encounter much boat traffic. City HallPoliceand Fire Departments get some minor water into edge of parking lot. [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. I typically focus on bass fishing during periods of generation, relegating my bream fishing for low-water conditions. A major factor in building West Point Lake was navigation. Lock [5]:1 Studies were done in the early 1990s in detail to determine the effects of the urban environment on the lake. [7] The purposes of the reservoir are to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water storage to aid the navigation of the lower Chattahoochee. I use the lightest bullet-head sinker I can get away with that will still give my worm a nice, smooth fall. 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. PFDs are required to be worn at all times in this part of the river, not just in your possession. Monthly chronological, Dam, powerhouse, lake (source: YouTube Video) Also in 1966, a team discovered sites of archaeological significance and important sites were studied until 1971 before the lake was filled. In my home area of west Georgia and east Alabama, the flow of the Chattahoochee River forms the boundary between the two states. There is a small boat ramp at Langdale, also in Valley, Ala. 24: Major to serious flooding occurs. for river levels within the next 72 Hours. Evacuations required. Major and extensive flooding occurs. This ramp is about 3.25 miles downriver from the ramp in the town of West Point, Ga. A few years ago, I decided to purchase a fishing kayak and try my hand. The main channel was closed in May 1967 and diverted through the east bank. [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. The daily fines were already at $9,000 per day and had totalled $20 million by 1997 for failing to complete sewer overflow treatment systems.[16][17][18]. [5][6], Starting in the late 1970s, the lake was beginning to have water quality issues,[15] which affected lake usership and eventually caused local economic damage. In total, the lake has approximately 525 miles of shoreline. In LanettHighway 24 closeswith East 10th Street and Avenue C flooded. Current conditions of BAROMETRIC PRESSURE, ELEVATION OF RESERVOIR WATER SURFACE ABOVE DATUM, PRECIPITATION, and MORE are available. Please keep in mind cadets do need to navigate much of the 47-month experience on their own, but we hope you will find this information helpful as you support your son or daughter in their . =$@(\- T bHa!H6&w 3 [4]:3-3 Two major uses of the lake prescribed are power generation and recreation. I enjoy the cooler waters, scenic landscapes and lower fishing pressure that a river offers.