Lake Martin Water Levels and Your Dock
Lake Martin rises and falls by several feet each year. Plan a dock for both levels, and use low water to get shoreline work done.
Around the whole lake, from Kowaliga to Alexander City
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Summer pool and winter pool
Full summer pool on Lake Martin is 491 feet above mean sea level. Each fall Alabama Power draws the lake down to 484 feet, finishing by about the third week of November. That is about 7 feet of difference at the dock.
In some years summer pool is held into mid-October. That depends on conditions set in the license, such as rainfall, and in 2025 it was not extended.
Deeper drawdowns
Every six years the license calls for an additional drawdown. In the winter of 2021 to 2022 the lake went to about 481 feet from New Year's Eve to mid-February, which gave owners more of the lakebed for dock and ramp repairs. Alabama Power announces these ahead of time.
What the drawdown means for a dock
- A floating dock must still float, with the gangway at a safe slope, at winter pool.
- A boat in a slip or on a lift needs enough water under it at the lower level.
- Cables, chains and hinges take the strain of the change. Check them before and after.
- Exposed banks and lakebed make riprap, seawall and piling work easier to reach.
Planning around the calendar
Low water in late fall and winter is a good time to look at what's under the dock and to schedule shoreline work. The permit comes first, so start the request early if you want the work done before the lake fills in spring.
Lake level questions
Will my dock sit on the bottom at winter pool?
It depends on the depth where it sits. A builder can check, and moving or extending the floating section is a common fix.
Where can I check the current level?
Alabama Power posts lake levels and drawdown notices on its shoreline and lake websites.
Ready when you are
Call now, or send the form. A local pro calls you back, usually the same business day.
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.