Have You Ever Seen Rough River Lake This Low?

I have Sunday drives in my DNA, and or that I'm very thankful. My sister and I got that from our dad. This weekend, despite the overcast skies and occasional rain, the warmer temperatures won the day and lured us away from the county.

Rough River Lake

We're lucky to have so many awesome lakes within comfortable driving distances. Off the top of my head, there's Land Between the Lakes, Nolin Lake, Pennyrile Lake, and, of course, Rough River Lake, an old favorite. There are many points at which you can enjoy a good look at the water; there are lots of inlets. But we headed to the marina, and when we got there, talk about a big surprise.

Rough River Lake Water Level

The lowest I've ever seen a water level for any lake is Lake Mead, which has suffered immeasurably from severe drought conditions.

But that's not the case at Rough River Lake; after consulting a Kentucky drought conditions map, I learned that no such conditions currently exist in that area. And, honestly, when we were there at the lake, I didn't believe drought was the reason for the low level. That left a deliberate reduction, in my mind, as the only reason it could be.

Winter Pool Drawdown

This weekend discovery has brought with it lake terminology new to my ears. One such term is "full pool." That's the water level for a lake or reservoir at normal operating conditions. A "winter pool" is the level to which a lake is drawn down for the preparation of additional incoming water from spring rains. This drawdown happens between December 1st and April 1st, and the elevation is decreased to 470 feet. Right now, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the elevation is 477.79'. It will likely be different, depending on when you read this.

I've put in a call and sent an email to USACE and am awaiting their response. But I'm guessing this drawdown is the reason for what we saw.

Here are images from the Rough River Lake Marina at a water level I've never before seen. Places where we were standing are usually underwater, so I'm glad I was able to secure images I might not otherwise could have.