Action zones have been defined for each of the major storage projects on the ACF -- Buford, West Point and George. They are shown on the 5-week forecast charts that are found on the ACF Basin page. These zones are used to manage the lakes at the highest level possible for recreation and other purposes that benefit from high lake levels. The actions zones also provide guidance on meeting minimum hydropower needs at each project as well as determine the amount of storage available for downstream purposes such as navigation, water supply, water quality. These zones were derived based on the past operation of the projects which considered time-of-year, historical pool level/release relationships, operational limits for conservation and recreational resource impact levels. The action zones are basic guidelines for operating the river system, however there may be other factors and activities that may cause the lakes to operate differently than the zones shown on the graphs. Some of these factors range from flood control actions, fish spawn operations, maintenance and repair of turbines, emergency situations such as drownings and chemical spills, drawdowns due to shoreline maintenance, releases made to free stuck barges, and other circumstances.

All three lakes are operated to maintain their lake level in the same zones concurrently. However, due to the hydrologic and physical characteristics of the river system and factors mentioned above, there may be brief periods when one lake is in a lower zone than the other. If this occurs, efforts are made to bring the lakes back in balance with each other as soon as conditions allow. By doing this, impacts to the river basin is shared equitably among the projects.

Zone 1 indicates that releases can be made in support of seasonal navigation (when the channel has been adequately maintained), hydropower releases, and water supply, and water quality releases. If the all lakes are in Zone 1 or above, the river system would operate in a fairly normal manner.

Zone 2 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.

Zone 3 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be significantly limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.

Zone 4 indicates that navigation is not supported. Hydropower demands will be met at minimum level and may only occur for concurrent uses. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.