Checking…
Live reading from the U.S. Geological Survey gauge at Buford (site 02334400). Open the USGS gauge and chart.
What "full pool" means
Lake Lanier's full summer pool is 1,071 feet above sea level. That's the level the Corps of Engineers aims to hold in summer. The number above tells you how far today's lake is above or below it. A reading of 1,066, for example, means the lake is five feet down.
What the level means for paddlers
| Lake level | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Within 2 ft of full pool | Normal summer lake. Beaches and ramps work as usual. |
| 3–6 ft below | Beaches get longer and rockier, swim areas shrink, and stumps and sandbars show in shallow coves. Launch carefully at shallow parks. |
| 7–10 ft below | Some shallow ramps and beach launches stop working. Expect long carries over mud and clay to reach the water. |
| More than 10 ft below | Drought conditions. Many ramps and swim areas close. Check the Corps' ramp status before you drive. |
These are general guides, not official closure levels. Each ramp and beach is different, so call the managing agency if you're unsure.
Record lows and drought
Lanier's record low came in the 2007 drought, when the lake fell to about 1,050.8 feet in December, more than 20 feet below full pool. Ramps sat high and dry, islands joined the shoreline, and old roadbeds from before the lake reappeared. Dry falls still pull the lake down several feet most years.
Why the level changes
- Rainfall: the lake rises with rain across the upper Chattahoochee and Chestatee basins.
- Dam releases: the Corps releases water through Buford Dam for downstream water supply, power and river flows.
- Season: fall is usually the low point; winter and spring rains refill it.
Low-water tips for kayakers
- Pick a launch with a long beach or a deep-water ramp, like a beach park, rather than a shallow cove ramp.
- Watch for stumps and rock just under the surface, especially near points and old creek channels.
- Wear water shoes. Exposed clay is slick and the rocks are sharp.
Plan your launch: Lake Lanier launch map · where to launch · kayak rentals
Water level FAQ
What is the Lake Lanier water level today?
The live reading at the top of this page comes from the USGS gauge at Buford Dam and updates through the day. Full summer pool is 1,071 feet.
What is full pool for Lake Lanier?
1,071 feet above mean sea level.
What was Lake Lanier's lowest level?
About 1,050.8 feet in December 2007, during a severe drought.