Drawdown?

[Ken Drish]

Looking for some historical perspective from the forum on how quickly the lake will be drawn down. I talked with someone at Eagle Rock marina on Saturday and they mentioned that there was a problem with the dam/Taneycomo that is causing them to not generate as much water and therefore, the lake level would not be coming down any time soon. Does that sound accurate?

I'm curious to know how fast it has come down from previous high water periods like 2008 & 2011. Obviously this will have a lot to do with the amount of precipitation that we get.

Thanks for the input!

[Sprint21fter]

I think it depends on what they do with the water in bull shoals once bull starts going down then table rock will go down

[Quillback]

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.”

[Phil Lilley]

More info on that thread...

Simple fact is that all these lakes are managed with a massive watershed in mind. Major river systems to the north and south of us all affect what is ran in regards to flood water. This is different than hydro water. Hydro is managed as to what's needed and can be sold as power generation. Flood water just needs to be moved as quick as possible to the Gulf of Mexico.

With all the flooding downstream (Arkansas, Texas), most of that water has to flow into the Mississippi just like our water. If it's backed up down south, then they have to hold the water up here.

But there are other variables... like Powersite Dam. Powersite's long spillway holds our lake at it's normal or powerpool level (no generation). Because it's damaged - the 5 year old gates meant to drop during high water events - some of them are now stuck in the down position and letting more water out than normal. That lets Taney drop below it's powerpool during low or no generation periods. This isn't an emergency - they'd probably call it a nuisance. But they have to deal with us dock owners and boaters on the lake. Plus it does affect the fish- and their food base, at least on the very upper lake.

Bull Shoals has to drop to 680 feet (from 692) before they can work on the broken gates. That's a 12 foot drop. it will take some time. But do get BS down to 680, they can't dump Table Rock's water, yet. They can run water and will but not solely to get TR down to "nice" levels.

Does that make sense?

[96 CHAMP]

That is very interesting Phil, thanks for your input on the matter. There is a lot that goes into flood control and water management on these lakes and rivers. It is amazing what the NOAA and corps of engineers can figure out.

[Sore Thumbs]

Good stuff

[Codywskeeter1521]

Learning everyday. Thank you guys

[brother dave]

With bs at 680, what do ya think k dock will look like?

[dtrs5kprs]

Short answer...likely to be in the bushes for a good long time. In 2008 it was still up in the greenery in August.

[Phil Lilley]

With bs at 680, what do ya think k dock will look like?

You mean the dock or the ramp? Dock is ok. Ramp will still be under water but you should be able to put in off the road.