On their Facebook page, the Lake Barkley division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says that the lake is currently at 356.2, which is almost 3 feet below normal. As a general rule, Lake Barkley reaches summer pool (elev 359.0) by the first of May.
The low levels are due to a significant lack of rainfall in the latter part of March and all of April.
The Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority are continuing to conserve and store water in an attempt to reach the summer pool. However, until the region experiences substantial rainfall, it is unlikely that either Barkley or Kentucky lakes will reach summer pool anytime soon.
The Corps of Engineers reminds boaters of the potential hazards associated with low water levels, and encourages everyone on the lakes to boat safely.
