Officials of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) recently issued a notice urging “boaters, dock owners and visitors at its White River Basin lakes to take extra safety measures because of low lake levels.” The notice points out that the extremely hot summer has increased the demand for hydroelectricity from the Table Rock and Bull Shoals dams, the areas lack of rain is preventing the lakes from refilling and that the lake levels are expected to keep falling until there is enough rain to refill the lakes.
According to the information Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake are two to five feet below the tops of their Conservation Pools with these levels expected to keep on declining. As of 4:00 a.m. on August 29 the actual level of Table Rock Lake was at 913.31 compared to its Seasonal Conservation Pool level of 917 and Bull Shoals was at 653.14 compared to its Seasonal Conservation Pool of 656.
Jim Thompson, a long time bass tournament fisherman in the Branson, Missouri area and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said, “The current water levels will have minimal if any impact on the quality of fishing in Table Rock Lake. These levels are not extremely low. In fact the average level of Table Rock Lake over the last five years at this time of year has been 912 which is lower than current levels.”
He advises both fishermen and boaters to use common sense and suggests that following the Corps recommendations will go a long way towards avoiding any potential problems caused by the low water such as rocks, trees or tree stumps, shallow spots and other hazards that might be just beneath the surface. The Corps recommends staying in main river channels and giving the shoreline a wide berth.
Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that the current lake levels provide plenty of water for boating, swimming and other water activities and should have no impact on most people’s Table Rock Lake activities during the upcoming long Labor Day weekend. She reminds those coming to Branson over that weekend that it is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year in Branson and recommend making advance reservations to ensure not only the availability of show seats and lodging, but to make sure that you get the seats and accommodations that you want.
For information on any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
