Don’t be discouraged this time of year when the water level on Lake Martin rises after a big rain event only to fall again a few days later. The lake is still on target to reach full pool by April 19, despite how it might look when the water goes down after it’s already been up. What we’re seeing at times like these is flood control vs. rule curve.

The rule curve is a pre-determined year-round schedule of targeted water levels for Lake Martin. This rule curve is an important component of Alabama Power’s license to operate Martin Dam. For example, the rule curve for the first day of spring, March 20, calls for a water level at 487.75 mean sea level feet. A week later, on March 27, the rule curve target is 488.6 msl feet, as the water gradually rises between February and April to the summer pool level we so enjoy. Give or take 6 inches or so, the operators at Martin Dam hit the rule curve numbers on target pretty well, barring heavy rains, droughts or unforeseen circumstances.