Record temperature highs, record lake lows
As the fall approaches at Lake James, everyone around the country will be praising cooler days, shady afternoons and a reprieve from the heat. This summer, record high temperatures scorched much of the United States, and in western North Carolina, we were spared no cool days. Recently, all counties in North Carolina were designated one of five drought levels, D0-D4, ranging from abnormally dry to exceptionally dry. Burke and McDowell counties, along with most other counties in the state were declared “D2/D3”, a title assigned to areas where severe drought conditions exit. In the farthest counties west, bordering Tennessee, D4 status was declared (exceptional drought) but in the eastern stretches of the state, things are progressively less dry, only experiencing D0 dryness. Duke Power has been feeling the strain of the heat and implemented watering restrictions in late August, preventing over-watering and allowing only two days per week per household of moderate watering. Starting October 1, however, much stricter guidelines are in effect, and there will be no irrigational watering (i.e.; irrigation systems, sprinkler systems) and only hand watering will be allowed. According to the representatives at the City of Morganton Water Use Restrictions Department, those residents with wells are free to use their own water, but to keep in mind that when it runs out, it runs out.
With all the dryness in the area, the lake levels have taken a hit; Lake James hasn’t seen lake levels this low since the 2002 drought. About eight feet of water has evaporated or been pulled by Duke Power to use at the hydroelectric plant, and driving over the spillways on N. Powerhouse Road on Lake James, rock outcroppings and sand bars can be seen that in different weather conditions, the average boater probably wouldn’t be aware of.
What does this mean for all of us who live at and around or otherwise enjoy Lake James? While our yards might take a hit, many of us are discovering beaches and sandy areas on the waterfront which were not previously accessible to enjoy. Some of our docks are shoring up, proving difficult to get boats into the water, but several public access ramps are still open on Lake James. With fewer boats in the water, and more shoreline to absorb waves, the water conditions for watersports like skiing, wakeboarding and knee boarding are excellent. Tooling around the lake, we see rock formations with intricate patterns, sand bars where grass is able to grow for the first time in years, and enough sandy beaches and islands that on most weekends are littered with colorful tents and camping equipment.
While the heat of the summer has taken its toll, cooler days have begun to creep in and dew-drenched mornings provide much needed moisture for the grass and trees. Weekends are still providing good weather on Lake James for fisherman, kayakers and boaters alike, and until the frost sets it, you’ll see all of us out enjoying our beautiful waters.
Water in our Veins–Meet Lake James Real Estate
Please call us if we can help with any of your real estate needs at Lake James – who better to help you than people who live, play and work here!
Polly Leadbetter – Owner/Broker P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-443-5407
Shane Cook – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-3205
Rhonda Edge – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-6595
Amanda Hotchkiss – Sales P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-335-3001
Marc Parham – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-1337
Denice Rechtiene – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-432-6976
