Lake Martin Drought of 1941 Was Worse than 2007
July 31st, 2007 Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living John
Lake Martin has been a victim of the 2007 drought that has affected Alabama and much of the southeast. The lake level is down to 480 already, which is the normal winter level.
Apparently in 1941 it was worse. 50 feet down is about as bad as it gets. I think back then they used to bring the level down in the winter by 30 feet anyway, so maybe the 1941 drought’s true effect was 20 or so feet. Since this picture was taken in November, I am sure there is some effect of the winter level.
Still, 50 feet down is pretty bad. I was shocked to see this in an email that was circulating around. Maybe someone will debunk this as an urban legend, but at the very least we can be glad that we don’t have to make up 50 feet this spring.
Thanks to Eric of Lakedog Appraisals for sending me the photo!
August 15th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Someone help me…seems I remember there being a correction to the full pool number maybe 30 or so years ago…full pool is the top of the water above sea level, not the depth of the lake….this was due to better technology and is more accurate.
If so the 1941 reading is not a true indicator. I know they dropped the lake 22 feet in the winter in the mid sixties to work on the dam. Many of the old towns and home sites were visable.
Any info wil be appreciated.
thanks,
CHARMED LIFE
August 15th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Good question - I agree that they used to drop it more in the winter in the past, but the exact number of the winter drop? I don’t know. Anyone?