Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the question to see the answer.
When does the lake drawdown?
Lake Burton Drawdown Schedule
November 1, 2023 - Lake starts down gradually from Normal (1865.0 elevation)
January 15, 2024 - Lake is 13' feet down (1852.0 elevation)
January 26, 2024 - Lake starts up from (1852.0 elevation)
March 1, 2024 - Lake is within 5' feet of Normal pool (1860.0 elevation)
May 1, 2024 - Lake is back to Normal summer pool (1865.0 elevation)
Every year, Lake Burton is drawn down in the fall to accommodate the historically high rainfall months. This drawdown is called the 'Winter Rule Curve" and is a part of the requirements of Georgia Power's License to generate electricity with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
PLEASE NOTE: This year the lake will go down an additional 6' feet to (1852.0 elevation) to support dry hydrant maintenance work being performed by the Rabun County Fire Department.
To receive a construction permit for new structures or for maintenance of existing structures, a construction application must be submitted to Georgia Power for approval. Applications must be reviewed and approved by Georgia Power before starting construction.
If you have questions regarding the lake drawdown, please call Georgia Power at 706-746-145
How do I receive LBCA stickers?
LBCA members who need new or additional LBCA stickers, please email admin@lbca.net. We are happy to send those to you!
How do I know where I can place a buoy?
The placement of buoys by homeowners is regulated by Georgia Power Company and enforced by GPC and the DNR. Here are the published GPC regulations regarding private buoys on all of GPC’s North Georgia lakes including Lake Burton.
"Only DNR or other agency-authorized regulatory buoys are permitted, and all other buoys, floats, swimming ropes, etc., must meet the following guidelines:
-they are only permitted to be in the lake between Memorial Day and Labor Day
-they must be located no further than 50 feet from the shoreline and must not interfere with the legal flow of boat traffic
-they are not allowed to have the appearance of a state-enforced regulatory marker.
Any buoys or other apparatus not complying with this guideline are subject to removal by GPC or GADNR.”