Prognosticator Billy Birdwell

If Billy Birdwell were a betting man, he would cast his lot on the side of a full pool of water in Lake Hartwell on Memorial Day—the official start of the recreation season. Birdwell, who works in corporate communications for the U-S Army Corps of Engineers, says, “…it looks good—very good, in fact—-for reservoir levels to reach or remain just slightly below full summer pool on Memorial Day at Hartwell and slightly below at Thurmond.” While gate repairs continue, lake management is required to keep Thurmond no higher than 329 feet—mean sea level. Birdwell concedes his prediction will be enhanced, in the meantime, if the region receives two or three additional rain storms.