Monthly Archives: February 2013

Pumpback and its effects on Thurmond Lake

Posted on February 27, 2013 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

The Richard B. Russell Dam enables a unique capability within the Savannah River Basin as a provider of “pumpback” hydropower. Pumpback turbines are reversible, so they allow us to re-use water stored in the reservoir system multiple times. This capability … Continue reading →

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Our forecast on summer reservoir levels

Posted on February 20, 2013 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

In the Hartwell Lake sub-basin, we recorded the second highest amount of rainfall of any January since we started tracking it in 1948 – 8.65 inches of rain fell around Hartwell Lake in January. Creeks and streams continue to send … Continue reading →

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Why Hartwell and Thurmond are out of balance

Posted on February 12, 2013 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

Some of you may have noticed that over the past few weeks Lake Hartwell has gradually become out of balance with Thurmond Lake. In fact, as of this writing the disparity is almost 4.5 feet in Hartwell’s favor: Hartwell’s elevation … Continue reading →

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Video: Minimum outflows vary by season

Posted on February 6, 2013 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

This is the time of year when we must begin the transition from a wintertime flow rate of 3,100 cfs (cubic feet per second) to the standard minimum-allowed flow rate of 3,800 cfs or 4,000 cfs (depending on the Broad … Continue reading →

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January rainfall high at Hartwell, low at Thurmond

Posted on February 6, 2013 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

  In January the Hartwell sub-basin received above-average rainfall with a total of 8.74 inches. This is the highest amount of January rainfall the Hartwell sub-basin has received in 15 years. The last time we received more rain in January … Continue reading →

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