High Flow event on the Flint River in the Lake Blackshear area possible

CORDELE, GA – Due to the recent heavy rain in the Flint River basin we are expecting a High Flow event on the Flint River in the Lake Blackshear area.

The event is expected to continue through early next week. The Flint River level at the Montezuma gage is currently 5.85 feet (4,000 CFS) and is expected to reach its peak at Montezuma early Friday morning at 23.8 feet (60,000 CFS).

Current graphic from the National Weather Service is shown below:

The water level in Lake Blackshear is currently at 236.4 feet m.s.l. (0.6 feet below normal full pool). Due to the projected flows we plan to lower the lake level at the Lake Blackshear Dam by approximately 5 feet. Currently we have 2.5 flood gates are open and will be opening additional gates as we monitor the

situation. We anticipate that the lake level will continue to decline for a few days then stabilize and begin to rise as increasing flows reach the lake. Peak Flows should be passing through Lake Blackshear mid-day Saturday. It is possible the lake will go slightly above normal full pool especially North of the US Highway 280 Bridge. At this point we do not anticipate any serious flooding issues on the Lake but we will continue to monitor the situation and make periodic updates.

Residents are urged to use caution around waters which will be flowing swifter than normal.

For further information you can contact the Crisp County Power Commission at:

229.273.3811 Or visit our website at www.crispcountypower.com

The National Weather Service has indicated that other river rises down the Flint River basin around Albany are possible later in the week. Stay tuned for updates.

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