Rising Lake Lanier Postpones Polar Bear Plunge

BUFORD, GA. -- The past week’s heavy rains have made Lake Lanier too unsafe for a New Year’s Day tradition.

The 19th Annual Lake Lanier Polar Bear Plunge, in which intrepid divers take a dip on what’s typically a chilly winter morning, has been postponed, according to its organizers.

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club announced that the swim has been put off to another time on its Facebook page.

“Our first concern is the safety of our participants, spectators and volunteers and at this point conditions do not allow for a safe event,” the group wrote. “A new date will be published soon.”

North Georgia has been under a near-constant flood watch since before Christmas. Heavy rains have pelted the area throughout the holidays, causing lakes, ponds, rivers and streams to rise.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that Lake Lanier’s water level has risen four feet in the past few days. Water releases from Buford Dam have been halted because of already flooded conditions downriver from the lake.

According to the Corps of Engineers, some parts of north Georgia and Alabama have gotten more than a foot of rain over the past few days.

The Corps also advised caution to boaters and others who intend to be around lakes like Lanier in the coming days.

“Some recreation areas are currently feeling the effects of high waters,” Corps spokeswoman Lisa Parker said in a news release. “Some courtesy docks at boat ramps are closed. When the lake levels are high, boating safety is a high concern. Debris may be submerged or floating in the lake causing unusual boating hazards.

“Boaters are urged to use extreme caution while operating their boats on the lakes.”