Lake Lanier Water Level Today

Lake Sidney Lanier, commonly known as Lake Lanier, is one of the most visited lakes in the United States, attracting over 11 million visitors annually. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, the lake was created in 1956 by the construction of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

With a full pool elevation of 1,071 feet above sea level, Lake Lanier covers approximately 38,000 acres and stretches across 692 miles of shoreline. The lake serves as the primary water supply for the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, providing drinking water to over 5 million people, making its water level critically important.

Lake Lanier water levels have been a contentious topic due to competing demands from Georgia, Alabama, and Florida — a legal dispute known as the "Tri-State Water Wars." During severe droughts, the lake has dropped more than 20 feet below full pool, exposing stumps, old roads, and even remnants of the towns that were flooded when the reservoir was created.

The lake is a premier destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Popular areas include Lanier Islands, Lake Lanier Olympic Park (which hosted the 1996 Olympic rowing and canoe events), and dozens of public beaches and marinas. Bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish are among the most popular catches.

Looking for more Georgia water data? Browse all Georgia water bodies, check out Texas lake levels, or view the national water levels dashboard.