Phil posted this on the Taney forum. I don't think we will see a rapid drawdown anytime soon.
JOPLIN, MO – July 16, 2015 – The Empire District Electric Company announced today that lower lake levels may be possible for Lake Taneycomo beginning in the next several days.
During the recent high water flows at Ozark Beach (Powersite) Dam, damage occurred to the air bladder system that holds the steel gates at the top of the dam in an upright position. This automated system helps maintain the lake level at elevations up to 701 feet. It also provides a safety mechanism to release larger flows when necessary to aid in flood control.
Releases from Table Rock Dam will be slowing over the next several days to allow the storage balance between Table Rock and Bull Shoals to return to normal. The reduced flow may result in Taneycomo levels dropping to approximately 697 feet. To allow Empire’s Ozark Beach personnel to investigate the damaged system and make plans for necessary repairs, Bull Shoals will have to drop to approximately 680 feet. This could result in low levels on Taneycomo for an extended period.
In making the announcement, Kyle Slagle, Director of Water Operations, stated, “We apologize for the inconvenience to Taneycomo area dock owners and recreationists. We are working with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Southwest Power Administration and the Missouri Department of Conservation to ensure fisheries are protected during this period.”
Slagle continued, “Once lake levels drop to a point where we can access the air system for the gates, we will work to complete the repairs as quickly as possible to allow the lake level to return to normal.”