The central question concerns the completion date of a significant reservoir in the state of Georgia. This body of water, known for its recreational opportunities and water supply contributions, was created through the impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. Understanding the timeline of its construction provides critical context for evaluating its impact on the surrounding environment and economy.
The creation of this reservoir in the 1950s offered several projected benefits, including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and a reliable source of potable water for the growing Atlanta metropolitan area. However, its construction also involved the displacement of communities and the alteration of natural ecosystems. The historical context surrounding the project highlights the complex interplay between economic development and environmental considerations.
The dam that created this body of water was completed in 1956, with the lake reaching its full pool by 1957. This date serves as the benchmark for understanding the lake’s subsequent role in the region’s history and development. Further exploration will delve into the specifics of the dam’s construction, the ecological impacts, and the economic activities that have flourished in its vicinity.
1. Construction Start
The initiation of construction directly dictates “when was lake lanier built.” The commencement date represents the genesis of the project, serving as the temporal starting point for the sequence of events that ultimately resulted in the formation of the reservoir. Without the initiation of construction, the realization of Lake Lanier would not have been possible. Therefore, the construction start date is intrinsically linked to establishing the timeline of the lake’s existence.
Specifically, the project was authorized in 1950, which set the stage for the subsequent construction activities. Consider the logistical preparation, land acquisition, and the initial excavation work. Each of these activities, occurring from the construction start date forward, were necessary precursors to the dam’s completion and subsequent impoundment of the rivers. For example, the clearing of the land that would eventually be submerged required a substantial period of time and resource allocation. Understanding this lead time is crucial to contextualizing the overall duration of the project.
In summary, the construction start date is not merely an arbitrary point in time, but rather a fundamental element in understanding “when was lake lanier built”. It represents the launch of a complex engineering endeavor. Ignoring this starting point would result in an incomplete and inaccurate assessment of the lake’s history. Knowing the precise commencement date is therefore essential for historical accuracy and for analyzing the long-term effects of the project.
2. Buford Dam
Buford Dam is inextricably linked to the completion date. The construction of this dam directly caused the creation of the lake. Absent Buford Dam, the impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers would not have occurred, and Lake Lanier, as it is known today, would not exist. Therefore, determining when Buford Dam was completed is fundamental to knowing when Lake Lanier was built. The dam’s completion in 1956 established the point in time when the formation of the lake became physically possible. The date represents more than just the end of a construction project; it signifies the genesis of the body of water.
The design and engineering specifications of Buford Dam dictated the lake’s capacity and geographical boundaries. The height and length of the dam determined the maximum water level and the extent of the inundated area. The dam’s power generation capabilities also influenced the operational management of the lake, affecting water levels and flow rates. For instance, the scheduling of hydroelectric power generation dictates releases of water downstream, directly affecting the lake’s water level and the downstream river ecosystem. Analyzing the construction records of Buford Dam provides insight into the planned functionality of Lake Lanier and its intended operational parameters.
In summary, the relationship between Buford Dam and its corresponding construction completion date is causal and defining. The dam’s completion in 1956 enabled the subsequent formation of Lake Lanier. Understanding the specific design and operational characteristics of Buford Dam is essential for comprehending the lake’s purpose, function, and long-term impact on the region. The date of the dam’s completion effectively marks “when lake lanier built”.
3. Impoundment Timeline
The impoundment timeline directly answers “when was lake lanier built” by detailing the process of filling the reservoir after the completion of Buford Dam. This period represents the transition from a dry riverbed to a fully formed lake. The timeline encompasses the gradual accumulation of water behind the dam, reflecting the rate at which the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers were restricted and their flow converted into a large body of water. The duration of this phase is a critical component in defining the construction of the lake as a whole. The impoundment didn’t occur instantaneously, adding a significant period to the overall creation process.
The impoundment timeline wasn’t solely determined by the natural flow of the rivers. Operational decisions regarding water release from the dam also influenced the rate at which the lake filled. For instance, power generation requirements might have dictated periods of increased or decreased water release, thereby affecting the impoundment rate. Furthermore, rainfall patterns during the impoundment period would have played a significant role. Periods of drought would slow the process, while periods of heavy rainfall would accelerate it. Understanding these factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of how and when the lake came into being. Monitoring data related to river flow, rainfall, and dam operations would be valuable for accurately reconstructing the impoundment timeline.
In conclusion, the impoundment timeline is an indispensable element in determining “when was lake lanier built.” It represents the active transformation of the landscape, directly linking the completion of Buford Dam to the existence of Lake Lanier as a functioning reservoir. Without understanding this timeline, the comprehension of the lake’s origins remains incomplete. The interplay of natural factors and human decisions further underscores the complexities involved in establishing the precise date of Lake Lanier’s effective completion.
4. Full Pool Attainment
Full pool attainment serves as a critical milestone in establishing when Lake Lanier was effectively built. While the completion of Buford Dam in 1956 marked a significant step, the lake’s operational functionality was not fully realized until it reached its designed water level. Full pool signifies the point at which the reservoir could perform all intended functions, including water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation, at their designed capacities. It, therefore, represents the culmination of the construction process and the point at which Lake Lanier became a fully realized infrastructure project.
The achievement of full pool in 1957 illustrates that the lake’s creation wasn’t merely the physical construction of the dam, but also the subsequent filling of the reservoir to its operational level. This process of filling took approximately one year after the dam’s completion, demonstrating that defining “when lake lanier was built” requires acknowledging a period of transition and maturation. The impact on surrounding ecosystems and human activities also intensified once the lake reached full pool, further highlighting the importance of this milestone. For instance, the full inundation of planned recreational areas could only occur once full pool was achieved.
Understanding the significance of full pool attainment provides a more nuanced perspective on the timeline of Lake Lanier’s construction. It acknowledges that the project’s completion wasn’t a singular event but rather a process culminating in the achievement of its designed operational state. This understanding is crucial for accurately analyzing the lake’s subsequent impacts on the environment, economy, and society. The year 1957, therefore, is critical in defining “when was lake lanier built” to its functional completion.
5. Year 1956
The year 1956 holds paramount significance in determining “when was lake lanier built.” It marks the culmination of the construction phase and the effective creation of the reservoir. This year is not merely an arbitrary data point but represents the pivotal moment when the dam structure, a prerequisite for the lake’s existence, was finalized. Its relationship to the overall construction and function of Lake Lanier necessitates detailed examination.
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Buford Dam Completion
The completion of Buford Dam in 1956 was the defining event that enabled the subsequent impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. The dam’s structure provided the necessary barrier to create the reservoir. Without the dam’s completion in this year, the formation of Lake Lanier would have been impossible. The dam represents the tangible embodiment of the project’s realization. Consider, for example, the engineering schematics and construction timelines all culminating in this single year.
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Initial Impoundment Phase
Although the dam was completed, the process of filling the reservoir began in 1956. The impoundment didn’t occur instantaneously; rather, it was a gradual process that commenced following the dam’s completion. The rate of impoundment was influenced by rainfall patterns and operational decisions regarding water release. This initial filling phase is crucial because it initiated the transformation of the landscape and the establishment of the aquatic ecosystem. For instance, the initial flooding of the riverbeds and surrounding areas began in 1956.
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Beginning of Operational Planning
With the dam completed and the impoundment underway, planning for the operational use of Lake Lanier intensified in 1956. This included strategies for water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. The establishment of operational protocols represented the transition from a construction project to a functioning resource. For example, initial water release schedules for power generation would have been drafted during this period.
The facets discussed demonstrate the central role of 1956 in responding to “when was lake lanier built”. The completion of Buford Dam and the commencement of impoundment collectively define 1956 as the year when the fundamental physical attributes of the lake were realized. This provides a definitive temporal anchor for understanding the subsequent ecological and economic impacts associated with this major infrastructure project.
6. Project Authorization
The authorization of the Lake Lanier project is a critical precursor to addressing “when was lake lanier built.” Project authorization represents the formal governmental or regulatory approval necessary for initiating the planning, funding, and construction phases. This event establishes the legal and political foundation upon which the physical construction is based. Without formal authorization, the project could not proceed, making the date of authorization the true starting point for the entire endeavor. Consequently, understanding “when was lake lanier built” requires recognizing the authorization date as the inception of the formal project timeline. The specific authorizing legislation or governmental decree sets the stage for the allocation of resources and the acquisition of land needed for the lake’s creation. The date of this authorization is thus a fundamental component of the project’s history.
The practical effect of project authorization can be observed in the years following. The authorization document typically outlines the project’s objectives, scope, and budget, providing a framework for subsequent actions. For example, the authorization may have specified the acreage to be inundated, the power generation capacity of the dam, and the intended beneficiaries of the water supply. These elements, defined at the authorization stage, directly influence the design and operational characteristics of the lake, ultimately affecting its construction timeline. Furthermore, the authorization process itself often involves environmental impact assessments and public hearings, influencing the project’s design to mitigate potential negative consequences. These modifications, resulting from the authorization process, inevitably impact the project timeline and the ultimate completion date.
In summary, project authorization is an indispensable element in understanding the timeline of Lake Laniers construction. It represents the legal and political starting point for the project, setting the parameters for all subsequent activities. The absence of authorization would have prevented the project from proceeding, highlighting its causal relationship to “when was lake lanier built”. The year of authorization, 1950, therefore, constitutes the initial temporal marker in the complex chain of events leading to the lake’s existence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries related to the timeframe surrounding the creation of this reservoir.
Question 1: What year was Buford Dam, the structure responsible for creating the reservoir, completed?
Buford Dam was completed in 1956. This represents the pivotal event enabling the subsequent impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers.
Question 2: Is the date of the dam’s completion synonymous with the date the lake was fully formed?
No. While the dam’s completion in 1956 initiated the lake’s formation, the process of filling the reservoir to its designed operational level took additional time.
Question 3: When did Lake Lanier reach “full pool,” signifying its intended operational water level?
Lake Lanier reached its full pool level in 1957, approximately one year after the completion of Buford Dam. This date is important for understanding the lake’s functionality.
Question 4: When did the overall project receive its initial approval?
The Lake Lanier project was authorized in 1950. This authorization represents the formal commencement of the endeavor, preceding construction.
Question 5: Were there factors that influenced the time it took to fill the reservoir after the dam was completed?
Yes. The rate at which the reservoir filled was influenced by natural factors, such as rainfall, and operational decisions concerning water release from Buford Dam.
Question 6: Why is precise knowledge of the construction timeline, including the date the dam was completed, important?
Understanding the timeline is crucial for accurately assessing the ecological, economic, and social impacts that have resulted from the lake’s creation and subsequent operation. It provides historical context for analyzing long-term effects.
The accurate understanding of the construction timeline is essential for historical analysis and informed decision-making regarding Lake Lanier.
The discussion will now shift to the environmental and economic impact.
Understanding the Timeline
Accurately determining the timeline surrounding the creation is crucial for stakeholders.
Tip 1: Prioritize Buford Dam’s Completion Date: 1956 is the pivotal year because it marks the completion of the dam, which enabled the lake’s formation. Consider that downstream analysis relies on this date.
Tip 2: Acknowledge the Impoundment Phase: Recognize that the lake’s filling didn’t occur instantaneously. The timeframe for the reservoir to reach full pool is significant. The data indicate it filled by 1957.
Tip 3: Understand the Authorizing Legislation: Investigate the original authorization documents (1950). These detail the project’s scope, objectives, and planned operations which is essential to understand its original purpose.
Tip 4: Examine Operational Records: Scrutinize historical operational records related to water release and power generation. These influence fluctuations in water levels and ecological effects. This data shows how intended water levels are affected.
Tip 5: Integrate Meteorological Data: Correlate the construction timeframe with meteorological data, particularly rainfall patterns. It shows the impact of natural weather events and lake levels.
Tip 6: Consider Community Displacement: Evaluate the historical records relating to community displacement and property acquisition. That indicates the impact to communities.
Accuracy is key for interpreting long-term ecological, economic, and societal ramifications.
The final section will now review long-term implications.
When Was Lake Lanier Built
The preceding analysis has meticulously dissected the timeline surrounding this reservoir’s construction, consistently addressing the query of “when was lake lanier built.” The evidence clearly indicates that the completion of Buford Dam in 1956 was the critical juncture, enabling the subsequent impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. While the project authorization occurred in 1950 and full pool was attained by 1957, the year 1956 remains the defining moment in the lake’s physical creation. This precise delineation is essential for accurately assessing its subsequent ecological and socioeconomic impacts.
Understanding the history of Lake Laniers creation, particularly the specific year of 1956, is not merely an academic exercise. It is a necessary foundation for informed management decisions, responsible resource allocation, and a comprehensive understanding of the enduring legacy of this significant infrastructure project. Further research and ongoing analysis are crucial to mitigating potential risks and maximizing the long-term benefits for all stakeholders.
