Lake Level Drops Two More Feet To Winter Low At Lake Of The Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The water level at Lake of the Ozarks dropped two feet in the last week.

While this may not be a surprise for many, it means Ameren has reached its target level for the winter drawdown.

On Feb. 23, the headwater level was around 656 feet according to an Ameren report.

Over the next seven days, that number slowly decreased to around 654 feet of elevation above sea level, as of 9 a.m. March 1.

Dock owners can obtain up-to-date information on Lake water levels and river flows online or by calling for the Lake Level Daily Report at 573-365-9205.

The winter drawdown happens every year to reduce the possibility of flooding during the spring. It also serves to generate power when it's needed in the cold winter months. While Ameren has reached its Guide Curve target, the low-level limit is actually 651, which means Ameren could go that low if they had to.

Dam operators are always working with rainfall — or the lack thereof — as well as the outflows from Truman Dam, which feeds directly into Lake of the Ozarks.

According to the Guide Curve, dock owners can expect the low level for a month before it increases in May prior to the summer season. Typically right before June, the Lake reaches its seasonal high of 659 feet, though Ameren could go up one more foot before opening the floodgates.

While it's a bit late to prepare docks for the winter at this point, it does give owners the chance to do repairs that are easiest when the Lake is low. Now is also a good time for riprap installation, seawall construction, and seawall repairs, as lake levels drop and before fish spawning begins.