Home; Corporate Services; Academic Services; About us; Select Page Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and Current conditions of GAGE HEIGHT are available. If you are paddling, I advise heading upriver and fishing back down to the ramp, since it is about 6 miles downriver to the nearest ramp at Blanton Creek Park. During the summer, convective thunderstorms are the leading source of rainfall with the occasional tropical storm. The lake's 525 miles of shoreline provide excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, boating and other recreational activities. This stretch of river lies between the Langdale Dam and Riverview Dam. All times are listed in local time. Theres almost always a panfish hanging around, and Ive been pleasantly surprised many times with a sharp strike from a bass cruising the shallows for his next meal. For website corrections, write to CESAM-PA@usace.army.mil, An official website of the United States government, Commanders of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Walter F. George Lake & Lake George W. Andrews, Corrosion Control/Cathodic Protection (CC/CP), Selma, Alabama Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, Okaloosa County, Florida Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, Current Dredge Plant Certification Status, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. StubHub: Buy/Sell Tickets. Two snakes known to the area that are venomous are the copperhead and cottonmouth. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial . This produces rolling hills around the lake with the exception of the nearby Pine Mountain Range. 1-877-TIX-ARMY (849-2769) E-Mail - Register Today! When these river bass are active, soft jerkbaits work very well. Of all the things indicated by dogwood blooms, biting fish is decidedly my favorite. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park, and McGee Bridge Park. Fishing the river during periods of no generation generally involves some finesse techniques for me. A Project funded in part through the Alabama Tourism Department. Since initial FERC approval, the Assistant Secretary for Electricity extended the Sam Rayburn rate schedule SRD-15 for a period of two years, from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2021, in Rate Order No. In Lanett AlabamaSouth Gilmer Avenue and 1st Street flooded. West Point Lake is a man-made reservoir located mostly in west-central Georgia on the Chattahoochee River and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Another type of fishing that can be very productive on the Chattahoochee River below West Point Lake is targeting panfish species. Only one bird is on this tracked list, the bachman's sparrow, along with 19 plants that include a sunflower, azalea, and a strawberry plant. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. In Georgia it has: Columbus, LaGrange, Newnan, Peachtree City, Carrollton and some parts of Atlanta. One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer afternoon is wade the shallows and cast my popping bug to exposed wood structure and deep pools. In Alabama it has: Phenix City, Opelika-Auburn, and Roanoke. Another very enjoyable way to catch these feisty river bream is with a long road and popping bugs. In 1998, two Federal Consent Decrees were ordered for the City of Atlanta to address its under-maintained wastewater system. [8]:23[9]. All other marks belong to their respective owners. I typically focus on bass fishing during periods of generation, relegating my bream fishing for low-water conditions. Surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields, West Point Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. 24.75: Major and extensive flooding occurs. The FEMA Web Mapping Service (WMS) is down. Usually available by 4 pm CT. Today's Schedule | Tomorrow's Schedule. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. USACE West Point Conducting Federal Boundary Line Inspection, West Point Lake Project Office George, Andrews, Woodruff. [17] NAD83/WGS84. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake was built for several purposes and cost an estimated $105 million. The single biggest factor to fishing this stretch of the Chattahoochee is generation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The smaller percentage uses are: flood control, Fish and Wildlife, Area Redevelopment, and Navigation. For U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operated Reservoirs. West Point Lake was filled from the river level at 565 feet (172m) above mean sea level (aMSL) to 617 feet (188m) aMSL. Major to serious flooding occurs. YouTube Video of flood release, West Point Lake and upstream w/roadmap For website corrections, write to cenwd-pa@usace.army.mil, An official website of the United States government, Missouri River Main Stem and Major Tributaries, Missouri River and Tributaries - Downstream of Gavins Point, Missouri River - Endangered Species Monitoring, North Fork South Platte River at Bailey, CO, South Platte River below Cheesman Dam, CO, North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, CO, South Platte River above Spinney Reservoir, CO, South Platte River below Strontia Springs, CO, Tarryall Creek below Tarryall Reservoir, CO, Little Sioux River at Correctionville, IA, Kansas River at 23rd Street, Kansas City, KS, Marais Des Cygnes River near KS-MO State Line, KS, Kanopolis Dam on the Smoky Hill River, KS, East Fork of the Little Chariton at Huntsville, MO, East Fork Little Blue River at Blue Springs, MO, Blue River at Bannister Road, Kansas City, MO, Pomme De Terre below the dam near Hermitage, MO, Sac River below Stockton Dam on Highway J, MO, Missouri River at Landusky (Robinson Bridge), MT, Little Bighorn River at State Line near Wyola, MT, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, EL - pool elevation in feet above mean sea level. Most of the time, rainfall is evenly distributed over all four seasons with a yearly average of 52.93 inches (1,344mm). If the bream wont hit the spinners, a cricket or red wiggler under a cork will always coax them out for a bite. SG - reservoir storage in 1000 acre-feet. [4]:3-3,3-4, West Point Dam is a 896ft 132ft 20.5ft (273.1m 40.2m 6.2m)(LxHxD) concrete dam completed in 1975. There are a few species of plants and animals that are tracked and knowingly occur in the area of West Point Lake. The powerhouse's three generators produce enough power annually to serve 24,000 homes. Water enters into West Point Fire Headquarters. Monthly (Sorted Month/Year) Atlanta continually failed to reduce pollution and was threatened by the GEPD with fines and sewer bans. purposes as desired. West Point Lake Pertinent . Water quality was later added as an authorized purpose. Another option is to put in and paddle upriver before you begin fishing. The most important item in the boat for this type of fishing is a good foot-controlled trolling motor and fresh batteries. West Point Lake has the highest shoreline mileage and percentage of total shoreline miles allocated to public recreation areas of all USACE lakes in the ACF river basin. The stretch of the river that I fish from my kayak most frequently lies between the tailrace of West Point Dam and the Airport boat ramp at Shawmut. At West Point Lake there are downstream flow requirements that must be met. On my most recent outings, working a small Texas-rigged plastic bait was the most successful technique for bass. This had the ability to damage the economics around the 1996 Olympic Games and further increase the amount of daily fines by $10,000. TVA Fishing Conditions for Mobile Devices. Another sure sign that Old Man Winters time is short, yellow pollen will soon blanket everything. Army A Club. I also keep a shallow-running crankbait tied on and cast to the mouths of creeks where bass hide looking for an easy meal. Mobile Corps Water Mgt Home Page Hydropower Generation Schedule West Point Lake Recreation Wikipedia West Point on Facebook Pictures from google ACF Basin Inflow Fishing & Hunting Georgia Outdoor News Lake & Recreation Map . Hydroelectric generation keeps the river in a constant state of flux, so the old adage that you never fish the same river twice is especially true here. The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. A good day can yield a catch of all three species. In total, the lake has approximately 525 miles of shoreline. Moderate flooding begins. . endstream endobj 19 0 obj <> endobj 20 0 obj <> endobj 21 0 obj <>stream Upon hearing the horn, immediately get out of the river area and get to land on the side of the river. West Point Dam controls 85% of the project inflow West Point releases vary from 600-800 cfs minimum flow to 18,000 cfs peaking flow Large Corps reservoirs in the ACF Basin drive Bartletts Ferry operations . With an average current, you could expect to float this stretch in three hours or so with minimal paddling effort. Why aren't the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers showing on the ESRI Map?Possible reasons: Note: Your zoom level may have changed. The stretch of the Chattahoochee River below West Point Dam is a scenic and largely unpopulated stretch of river. The first generator was completed in May 1974; however, diking problems did not allow filling of the lake to begin until October 16, 1974. United States. Below WP Dam (3443 SM) @ West Pt, GA (3550 SM) @ 14th Street, Columbus (4630 SM) . The West Point Lake Powerhouse and Dam as seen from down river. The entire area of the Chattahoochee River basin is 8,708 square miles (22,550km2)[4]:4-1, The lake is sometimes criticized and brought into negative public light due to being the first impoundment south of Atlanta. Water data back to 1978 are available online. During periods of no generation when the river is at normal at rest conditions, the average depth of the river is only 2 to 3 feet in most places. If fishing or otherwise using the area below Hartwell Dam please use extreme caution. I use the lightest bullet-head sinker I can get away with that will still give my worm a nice, smooth fall. Highway 29 on left bank22 city blocks of West Point businesses floodand 5 blocks of residences on left bank flood. Couple that with the presence of exposed rock shoals and submerged boulders, boaters should exercise lots of caution. Hourly Data. Additionally, the rocks can be slippery. Wood and vegetation that stood high and dry is now flooded. Current conditions of BAROMETRIC PRESSURE, ELEVATION OF RESERVOIR WATER SURFACE ABOVE DATUM, PRECIPITATION, and MORE are available. Current conditions of GAGE HEIGHT are available. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint. [18] In 2015 and 2017, bacteria levels were tested and published in the media showing normal and safe levels. Sometimes this is the easiest method when youre fishing alone or plan to cover only a short stretch of water. West Overlook Park overlooks the western (Alabama) side of West Point Dam. While its very possible to have a successful outing during periods of generation or when no generation is occurring, your approach will need to be altered accordingly. Route 212 in Georgia runs through West Point Lake Park, and provides access from the north and south of the park. The lake is surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields extending 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. I enjoy the cooler waters, scenic landscapes and lower fishing pressure that a river offers. It has a 321 feet (98m) long and 164.5 feet (50.1m) deep power generation building which houses three main 48.8 MW units and one small 3.3 MW unit on the western portion of the dam and a 350 feet (110m) spillway on the eastern portion, both which are controlled via microwave link at Walter F. George Lake with a local override. There is a healthy population of bluegill, shellcrackers (red-eared sunfish) and redbreast. Fishing pressure is light, and the action can be outstanding for a variety of species. It is possible to utilize a vessel powered by a traditional outboard during low water conditions, but travel cautiously and become familiar with the river and trails in between shoals. If fishing or otherwise using the area below Hartwell Dam please use extreme caution. Also in 1966, a team discovered sites of archaeological significance and important sites were studied until 1971 before the lake was filled. Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. Of the four major USACE lakes in the ACF River Basin, West Point Lake is the smallest by area containing 25,864 acres (10,467ha) of water, and has the second shortest shoreline at 604mi (972km). This ramp is about 3.25 miles downriver from the ramp in the town of West Point, Ga. A project in partnership with the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Dept. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. An official website of the United States government. This beautiful stretch of tailrace, perfect for a kayak or jonboat, offers good fishing for a variety of species. Many sportsmen will be looking at new calls and patterning various chokes and loads for another season chasing boisterous gobblers. Lock There are two ramps directly downstream of the West Point dam, and either one will make a fine exit point for a float trip. [4]:2-5 West Point Lake does not have its recreational areas concentrated in any one area of the lake, however, a large percentage of shoreline south of Georgia State Route 109 is public access. Prior to West Point Dam going into operation in 1975, West Point had experienced an average of one flood a year every year since 1900, a flood being defined as having water in the street on West 3rd Avenue in front of the present location of CenterState Bank. If approaching from the north use Route 222 and turn south onto Route 212, proceed five miles, and turn left onto W Point Dam Road to reach the park entrance. ESRI's zoom levels must be between 14 and 16 to show National Flood Hazard layers. Its not uncommon to catch 30-plus bream on a short trip, and Ive salvaged more than one tough day of bass fishing with a good, old-fashioned bream-catching extravaganza. West Point Dam is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. When the lake was flooded, the floodplain would contain two historic covered bridges that would be inundated. [12]:Plate 1 During the first three years of operation, there were only 26 parks available for a total of 5,786 acres (2,342ha) but annual visitation increased yearly from one million in 1976 to 4.2 million by 1981. WEST POINT LAKE NEAR WEST POINT, GA Important Legacy real-time page Monitoring location 02339400 is associated with a LAKE, RESERVOIR, IMPOUNDMENT in TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA. SWPA-75. When the mercury rises and bass become sluggish in bathwater-warm reservoirs, theres nothing like getting a bait hammered by a fish in cool, 70-degree water. =$@(\- T bHa!H6&w 3 The Hartwell power generation schedule recording is available by calling toll free 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300 anytime. 244 Allatoona Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 334-7213 Construct west point lake powerhouse and property from down river by city or zip code. Fishing is probably the most popular activity on West Point Lake with a dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake to choose from. The top of the dam is at 652 feet (199m) above sea level. For me, this is an easy way to hit the water about 3 miles upstream of the nearest boat ramp. This is the official public website of the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please keep in mind cadets do need to navigate much of the 47-month experience on their own, but we hope you will find this information helpful as you support your son or daughter in their . The river level below the dam can rise significantly due to the . 20 Up-and-Comers to Watch in the West Point Dam Generation Schedule Industry First Aid For Eye Emergencies Certainly not known physical habitat will attempt to meet this point dam at location The author fishes this small lake from his kayak. Its not uncommon to land healthy 3- to 5-pounders, with larger bass possible. For the West Point Lake area as a whole, the record low is 10F (23C) in LaGrange, GA on February 2, 1899, with the record high at 107F (42C) in LaFayette, AL and Rock Mills, AL in late July 1952. While this requires more equipment than kayak fishing, the reward can be very handsome. The West Point Lake Dam controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in water flow. The Chattahoochee River flows in a southwest direction for 235 miles (378km) to arrive at the West Point Dam after starting in the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia. There are no FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers for the location which you are viewing on ESRI Maps. The daily fines were already at $9,000 per day and had totalled $20 million by 1997 for failing to complete sewer overflow treatment systems.[16][17][18]. In recent years, kayak angling has made tremendous gains in popularity. West Point Dam and Powerhouse Visit Website Location 500 Resource Management Dr. West Point GA 31833 Get Directions Phone (706) 645-2937 Hours of Operation Monday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Tuesday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Wednesday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Thursday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Friday : 8:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday : 8:30pm - 4:30pm Sunday : 8:00am - 4:30pm Previous [19] In another part of the lawsuit, the City of Atlanta was issued a $2.5 million fine and volunteered to remove trash and establish greenways. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at anytime. Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page I imagine that the river bottom of this stretch doesnt look much different today than when the first residents of east Alabama and west Georgia, the Creek Indians, lived along its shores. Interpreting hydrographs and NWS watch, warnings, and forecasts, and inundation maps, Survey grade GPS equipment, FEMA flood plain maps, newer USGS topographic maps, Older USGS topographic maps, NGVD29 benchmarks, Older USGS topographic maps, MSL benchmarks. I find this to be the most productive method for fishing the low-water conditions between periods of generation. West Point Lake and downstream w/roadmap A benefit for kayak anglers is that due to shallow water and the presence of rocks, you wont encounter much boat traffic. Horizontal Datum: After completion of the project the operation responsibility was turned over to Mobile District of the Army Corps of Engineers. Longitude: 85.182222 W, West Point Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (706) 645-2929 W F George Powerhouse Generation Schedule Recording: (866) 772-9542 ext. The river is scenic along this stretch, and fishing opportunities are very good. During low-water conditions, my best advice is to travel slowly and be mindful of obstructions lying just beneath the surface. Granite and soapstone are common minerals in area. Good angling can be found all along the Chattahoochee, and certainly the reservoirs boast opportunity, but my preferred territory is a sparsely populated stretch of the river between Lake West Point and Lake Harding. This was not done earlier out of fear of flooding downstream during heavy rain periods. Fishing pressure is light, and the action can be outstanding for a variety of species. One of the highest crests of modern times prior to West Point Dam was 24.9 feet on February 261961. Especially during those hot summer days, the cool, oxygen-rich waters being released signal a dinner bell for hungry fish. Travelling from the south from West Point, it is about a six minute drive. This is the official public website of the Mobile District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are also anglers who utilize boats set up to run jet outboards to navigate the shallow, rocky shoals. Allatoona Dam, Buford Dam, Carters Dam, West Point Dam, Walter F. George Dam, Robert F. Henry Dam, Jim Woodruff Dam, and Millers Ferry Dam Nashville District, Corps of Engineers Barkley Dam, Cheatham, Old Hickory Dam, J. Percy Priest Dam, Center Hill Dam, Dale Hollow Dam, Wolf Creek Dam, Laurel Dam Savannah District, Corps of Engineers Snowfall can occur but rarely covers the ground for more than a few days. Index to Web Pages - Find dams, gages, water management subjects, etc. The Hartwell power generation schedule recording is available by calling toll free 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300 anytime. The Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. Mainly low places on West Point City Streets are flooded. Major and extensive flooding occurs. On October 10, 1995, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers filed a lawsuit against the City of Atlanta for violation of the Clean Water Act by not upgrading facilities to meet standards. Im not aware of any steady commercial shuttle service in operation currently in this area, but a relatively new kayak dealer, GLL Marine, plans to begin operating a shuttle in the future to cover parts of the river below the West Point Lake Dam. There are four types of access, known as shoreline allocations, at West Point Lake. the Range of Possible River Levels, Weather Forecast Office Peachtree City/Atlanta, GA, Chance of Exceeding Levels During Entire Period, Short-term Probabilistic Guidance (Experimental), Corps of Engineers (COE) Info for West Point, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data and Site Info for West Point. Phone. All of the piers provide access for persons with disabilities. Without crossing directly over the lake, one must go to Franklin or West Point to cross the river. Equipment needs to be moved. GPS: N32 55.858 W085 12.078. The Chattahoochee below West Point Lake is great place to spend some time outdoors. Many others, myself included, will be looking to pattern bass, bream and crappie. O2 - spillway release in 1000 cfs. [14][20], Many factors affect the lake and its basin. The lures, approach and watercraft will need to be adjusted in each of these states of flow. [8]:2 This was done by using the flood pool level of 641 feet (195m) above sea level or 300 feet (91m) from the summer pool of 635 feet (194m), whichever was greater. [5]:182-190 The American alligator has been spotted in the area however very rare. Evacuations need to begin. An air horn will sound for one minute prior to the release of water into the river to warn persons who may be fishing or wading from the rocks in the river bed. [7] The purposes of the reservoir are to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water storage to aid the navigation of the lower Chattahoochee. Bankfull is reached in many locations especially on the Alabama side or right bank of the river downstream from the river gauge. E I use my general purpose 5 weight fly rod and balsa popping bugs. West Point Lake and West Point, GA vicinity w/roadmap, Map of Georgia with rainfall (up to 28 days), Map of USGS gage locations in South Carolina (pertinent to Savannah River), Map of all USGS gages in US (zoom in for Georgia). The river splits in several places and is also blocked by the Crow Hop Dam. [3]:6, In 2016, West Point Lake recorded 36 parks, 2 marinas, and 7 campgrounds. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. A major factor in building West Point Lake was navigation. However this data is slightly misleading as Georgia does not use PCBs anymore thus contaminated fish are older from previous years. During the springtime, my presentation is slow, and my baits are on the smaller side. Major and extensive flooding occur. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waterway, running 260 river miles from Apalachicola, Florida to Columbus, Georgia. After building West Point Lake, it was decided to raise the winter pool from 625 to 628 feet (191 to 191m) aMSL. NOTE: River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. [4]:4.2-4.3. The Chattahoochee, whose headwaters lie in the north Georgia mountains, takes on many forms in route to the Gulf of Mexico. Flood of Recordsince the West Point Dam was built in the early 1970soccurs. Many types of common animals found in the southeastern United States are also found in the West Point Lake area including different species of bass, crappie, waterfowl, snakes, and turtles. The northern portion of the river basin is in the Blue Ridge Region, but the middle region, where West Point is located, is in the Piedmont Region, north of the fall line. Equipment needs to be moved. l@([P2jd*]AK+%vCv-`A=F2QL X? \8D=%*K>=je sA&/iK The road across the dam is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time. Before hitting the river, check the current generation schedule. Georgia Outdoor News is your best source for timely news about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in the state of Georgia. Hundreds of homes and businesses flooded. The northern reaches of the Chattahoochee is trout water. As a result, the United States Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1962. Generation Southeastern's Power Operations employees perform the tasks of declaring, scheduling, dispatching, and accounting for capacity and energy generated at the 22 hydroelectric projects in the agency's 11-state marketing area. weight is usually ideal. Destination WeddingsGoverning Body So that generation schedule new method approach is The main channel was closed in May 1967 and diverted through the east bank. Water enters West Point City Works Department. Lake West Point stores water to be released during dry seasons to help maintain the water level of the navigable inland waterway from Columbus, Ga. south to the Gulf . [4]:2-5, After being approved in 1964, construction began in 1965 with the west embankment and powerhouse access road being completed first in 1966. . . Man-made reservoirs Lanier, West Point, Harding, Eufaula and Seminole lie along its path. Due to swift currents and underwater obstructions, a Carolina rig or even a shaky head will get hung often and cause lots of frustration. When the corps begins releasing water, the level swiftly rises 3 to 4 feet in elevation, reading around 562 feet above sea level. As the cities downstream continued to grow with new homes and businesses, the need to protect lives and property from flooding increased as well. One of the principal advantages to kayak fishing is that you dont need much to launch your vessel. My all-time favorite technique during periods of generation is to troll against the current and pitch soft plastics against flooded brush. A few years ago, I decided to purchase a fishing kayak and try my hand. This act provided that the project be constructed for flood control hydroelectric power generation,recreation, navigation,and fish and wildlife management. The large nearby reservoir, Lake West Point, was created by the Army Corps of Engineers by the building of the West Point Dam for water storage and hydroelectric power generation. Hourly data provided from basin wide Data Control Points (DCP) if available, the information provided will include: EL - pool elevation in feet above mean sea level. StubHub Ticket Marketplace. For panfish, I always keep an ultralight spinning outfit rigged with an in-line spinner. . The Chattahoochee river flows in from the north, before flowing through the West Point Dam, which impounds the lake, and continuing to Columbus, Georgia. [5]:14 On 19 July 1988, the water being released from the lake downstream had become eutrophic and thus killing fish in the river. (706) 645-2929. Before this, Walter F. George Lake and West Point Lake could not both be filled to their summer pools by the end of May without sacrificing water flow downstream and starving the Apalachicola River of needed water for navigation. The river takes on a much different appearance when the corps releases water from the spillway at West Point Dam.