This update covers the one week period from December 5, 2011 through December 11, 2011.

The graphs below are of PROVISIONAL DATA for the following parameters for the period of 12/4/11 through the morning of 12/12/11: Saluda River discharge at the Chappells gauge (main tributary to Lake Murray), Little River discharge at the Little River Near Silverstreet gauge (tributary to Lake Murray), Bush River discharge at the Bush River Near Prosperity gauge (tributary to Lake Murray), Little Saluda River near Saluda (tributary to Lake Murray), reservoir level at Lake Murray, Saluda River discharge below Lake Murray Dam and Saluda River DO below Lake Murray Dam.  ***Note that data is not available for Little Saluda River near Saluda (02167705) since October 26, 2011 due to low water at the gage location.

As can be seen from the graphs, inflow to Lake Murray increased this period due to rainfall in the basin.  Reservoir level began the period at about el. 354.57 ft. and ended the period at about el. 354.69 ft.  Saluda Hydro was operated for unit testing several times during this report period.

Indicated DO in the tailrace generally was in the range of about 8.8 – 10.3 mg/l.  As of December 12, 2011 the turbine vents on units 1 - 4 have been closed.

At this time, there is no generation planned for this week, however we will be performing unit testing over the next few weeks.

Going forward, SCE&G will operate Saluda Hydro to manage the reservoir level, while balancing inflow, municipal water withdrawals, and evaporation rate in the reservoir; and dissolved oxygen, agreed upon minimum flow, and agency or other requested discharges in the lower Saluda River; with system reserve and emergency generation requirements.

Please contact me if you have any questions.