Lake Of The Ozarks' Water Level Is Two Feet Below Normal

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The Lake of the Ozarks water level is two feet lower than it typically is this time of year.

The Guide Curve, which Ameren uses as a rough target for water levels year-round, has the Lake level at around 658 feet, from mid-September through early December. That’s a foot or so lower than the summer “full pool” level between 659-660 feet. But according to Ameren Missouri, the Lake level as of noon on Thursday, Nov. 9 was 656.01 feet of elevation above sea level, as measured at Bagnell Dam. That’s two feet below normal, and three or more feet below the summertime water level.

Ameren has low- and high-level limits set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the water level is well-within those. But the Lake is still very low for this time of year, and those who have been here for years are recognizing it.

To those who don’t own waterfront property, a foot or two doesn’t sound like a big difference. But with the Lake’s sloping shoreline, two feet can be the difference between being able to launch a boat and not being able to. For boaters who had planned on autumn outings on the Lake, some have been unable to do so.

The approximate water level on this date over the past several years, for comparison:

11/9/2023 — 656

11/9/2022 — 657

11/9/2021 — 658.8

11/9/2020 — 658.3

11/9/2019 — 659

11/9/2018 — 659

The Lake level may come up a bit before the end of the year, but the currently low levels are a reminder to dock owners — especially those new to the Lake — that their docks need to be prepared for winter. Every winter, Ameren draws the Lake level down to about 654 feet of elevation: the process allows Ameren to generate more energy in the coldest months, while also preparing the Lake to receive abundant spring rains. But it can be rough on unprepared docks. Dock owners should adjust their dock cables to allow the dock to move further away from the shoreline as the lake level falls; however, too much slack in dock cables can result in docks being blown around in high winds.

Dock owners should also invest in deicers, which help prevent ice from forming around the dock and causing damage.

Click here to view the water level on any date.

Call the Ameren Lake Report hotline at 573-365-9205 for a recording almost every weekday that gives the water levels of Lake of the Ozarks, the Osage River, and Truman Dam, as well as expected generation and the forecasted lake level.

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