How deep is Lake Lanier? Netflix's 'Files of the Unexplained' explores the spooky past of Georgia's man-made reservoir
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Netflix's latest docu-series 'Files of the Unexplained' delves into the mysterious history surrounding a man-made reservoir located in the state of Georgia, called Lake Lanier.
The show plans to uncover the eerie and unexplained occurrences that have taken place in this particular area, leaving viewers intrigued and captivated by the unknown.
Lake Lanier covers an extensive area of 38,000 acres, with a remarkable shoreline that stretches for 692 miles when the water is at its normal level. Its optimal level, known as the "full summer pool," is situated at an impressive height of 1,071 feet above the average sea level.
Unfortunately, in recent times, the lake has experienced a concerning trend of frequently decreasing by as much as 20 feet before eventually rebounding to its maximum capacity. Located at Buford Dam, the deepest section of Lake Lanier boasts depths exceeding 160 feet.
This sprawling lake stretches across Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Gwinnett, and Lumpkin counties, with approximately 60% of its expanse in Hall County, followed by 30% in Forsyth County, and smaller portions in the remaining counties. The lake's shape is characterized by a series of small arms and fingers, filling the valley with its expansive waters.
For many years, the eerie legends surrounding Lake Lanier, located in the picturesque northern Georgia mountains, have sent shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike.
How many people have died on Lake Lanier?
In a confessional, Dr Charlie Garner, Professor at Brenau University, talked about the number of people who have died on Lake Lanier. He said, "Since the inception of Lake Lanier in the late, uh, 1950s, there've been something like 700 people that died and more than 200 people have since 1990."
Garner further added, "And there are supposedly some bodies that have never been recovered. It's a place and source of controversy over the years. And when I first moved here, I was involved with the ghost walk where storytellers told stories of paranormal activity that goes on around the lake and that was very popular."
Garner mentioned that the story he was intrigued by was the infamous 'Lady in the Lake.' Numerous accounts have been shared about sightings of a woman in a blue dress wandering near the Highway 53 bridge. Many believed that this apparition was connected to the tragic discovery of a young woman's body, dressed in a similar blue dress, found near the bridge.
He continued, "At the time, they couldn't figure out who she was but people speculated that it might have been Delia May Parker Young who disappeared with Susie Roberts about 18 months earlier. They were both young mothers and they were gonna go over to this nightclub over the Forsynth County Side of the lake and dance the night away."
The two friends ventured over to that particular location and it was quite evident that they had a fantastic time. Delia was dressed in her friend's borrowed blue dress, which she found to be incredibly beautiful. Eventually, they decided to leave to return home and ensure they were back in time to take care of their respective families.
"They stopped for gas at a gas station on the way back. And that was the last time anybody saw them." Garner said.
Are there graves under Lake Lanier?
In a confessional, Richard Pickering, a dedicated Lake Lanier Recovery Diver, shed light on one of the most frequently inquired mysteries surrounding this renowned lake: the existence of graves beneath its tranquil waters.
This question, often posed by curious minds, continues to pique the interest of both locals and visitors alike, igniting a sense of intrigue and fascination with the secrets that lie submerged beneath the surface of Lake Lanier.
"I have dove over 5,000 different dives on this lake. I have seen every corner of it. I've seen the bottom of it. I probably have seen more of this lake than any other human being ever," Richard said.
He further added, "Well, I can assure you, all the known graves that were here at Lake Lanier were exhumed. Now, I say that because if we go back to the Native American times, this was a very popular place because of the rivers and there are certainly some unmarked graves from that time."
Richard concluded by saying "So, some of those remains will still be here under the lake."
