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Sharon Miller |
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Sharon's Smith Lake "Question Of The Week"
How do you determine Smith Lake water depth? How much will be needed when installing a boat dock and hoist?
With out a doubt, this is a simple question with a complex answer. Let’s tackle the subject of measuring water depth first. There are several ways to accomplish the measurement of water depth. An electronic depth finder can be used, a hand held unit or one mounted on a boat will suffice. Another way to determine water depth is to utilize a weighted rope with a series of knots or wrapped electrician’s tape at measured intervals. Dropping the weighted line from a boat or dock, one can easily determine the number of increments between markers to calculate the depth.
Here are some important tips to remember when measuring Smith Lake water depth. Alabama Power, as custodian for the lake, frequently releases water for a variety of reasons; consequently a measurement of water depth in a specific location will fluctuate with regularity. Boat docks and hoist units generally don’t need a lot of depth to function, eight to ten feet of water under the hoist should be adequate for most applications. What limitations there are for a docking facility has a lot to do with access from the shoreline. For those who are contemplating the purchase of Smith Lake waterfront property, evaluating the shoreline topography is as important as measuring water depth.
Smith Lake water level fluctuations routinely occur throughout the year, this may require a dock/hoist unit to be moved. Recent changes regarding dock permit requirements will restrict the amount of movement allowed for new installations. If you are now contemplating the purchase of vacant waterfront property where water depth near the shoreline is shallow, understand that with the recent permit changes, docks will no longer be allowed to “chase the water”. Put another way, you will no longer be allowed to move your dock away from the shoreline as the water recedes during times of infrequent rainfall or draw down. Here is an important fact to remember, generally speaking, if the property adjacent to the shoreline is nearly flat, the presence of deep water is unlikely.
When looking at different pieces of vacant Smith Lake waterfront property, make sure you understand that water depth should be high on your list of criteria. Like anything else, waterfront lot pricing includes water depth as a factor when a seller determines his asking price. For those who are serious about water activities such as boating and fishing, the purchase of deep water lake shore property almost becomes a necessity.
In summary, spent the time and effort to educate yourself regarding the numerous considerations associated with owning waterfront property before contemplating any purchase. Keep in mind, not all Smith Lake waterfront property will qualify for a dock permit.
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