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I don't care how much rain we are short for last year........all the lakes are now over full and the ground is saturated. The ground cannot hold any more water. If any more rain falls, it will just be runoff.
^ The drought isn't over until stream flows are back to normal when there is no runoff. That's what helps keep the reservoir up during dry spells.A full lake is nice, I might flush after only two pees today, but we are still a long way from being out of the drought.
Falls Lake Full, but the release gate is open again.
We finally get to the point where the lake is full (252'), but driving home today I noticed the release gate is open and the Falls of Neuse is flowing like White Water rapids. Does anyone know why we would open the gates when just 6" over full? We need to conserve as much water as possible by keeping as much in the lake while we are in the cooler months. Easing the water restrictions and opening the gate on the same day does not seem like a smart move. IMO.
Does anyone have insight that might make sense of these actions?
I assume they opened the release gates to accommodate the water that's still flowing into Falls Lake from last week's rains. It's my understanding that having the release gates open when the lake is at full capacity and with stream flows feeding the lake faster than demand drains it is a normal practice.
Once demand overtakes inflows and the lake level starts to fall, the release gates will probably be closed.
Disclaimer: I'm not a water professional; this is just my own common-sense take on the situation.
thanks for your insight! The demand for water is still present and the city is growing in leaps and bounds. Build a larger pool of water to last longer and deal with the growth. Meeker asked for 2 more feet to be held in the lake. That is a great move in the right direction.
I assume they opened the release gates to accommodate the water that's still flowing into Falls Lake from last week's rains. It's my understanding that having the release gates open when the lake is at full capacity and with stream flows feeding the lake faster than demand drains it is a normal practice.
Once demand overtakes inflows and the lake level starts to fall, the release gates will probably be closed.
Disclaimer: I'm not a water professional; this is just my own common-sense take on the situation.
In the past, the base stream flow was around 150-350 cfs this time of year (and around 75-125 in the summer). Anytime the lake got above 251.5 they release once downstream conditions allow. I doubt they will go back to 30 cfs release now that the lake is full pool, most likely will be around 200.
The lakes primary purpose is flood control. The Corps of Engineers is supposed to try to maintain the lake at 251.5 at all times. Raleigh has little or no control over the Corps.
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Latest Update!!! Raleigh To Ease Restrictions!!!!!
Can you say TOO MUCH WATER!!!!! 
Falls Lake Full, but the release gate is open again.
