As of today, 10/21/24, Smith Lake water level is at 500 feet. This is 10 feet below full pool of 510 feet. When looking up houses for sale on Smith Lake, many will say "year round water" when in fact it is not enough water to launch a boat. Water in Smith Lake can get as low as 496 feet and if year round water is important to you, you will want a knowledgeable realtor to help you find one that actually is. Smith Lake begins lowering water levels on July 1 and ends the lowering of the water levels on November 30th. Alabama Power raises/lowers the water level for several reasons:
- Flood Control. In the fall, we lower lake levels so they can hold extra water from heavy rains in winter and spring. This is done following rules from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Recreational Use. In spring, we start to refill the lakes with stored rainwater so they reach the right levels for summer fun by May.
- Wildlife Protection. We release water from the lakes to help ecosystems and habitats, protecting fish and other aquatic animals. This is also part of our agreement with FERC to keep the water healthy.
- Navigation. Alabama leads the nation in miles of navigable channels, so we work with the Corps of Engineers to decide how much water to release for safe boating.
- Drought Conditions. If we don’t get enough rain, we might need to lower lake levels or change our usual schedule.
We are very knowledgeable about Smith Lake and the water levels. Give us a call and we can help you find your dream home today! Team Sparkman
