LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol has lifted the No-Wake restriction in time for 4th of July boating at Lake of the Ozarks. The water level as of 8 a.m. this morning is 660.2, as measured at Bagnell Dam. Full pool is 660.0.

Boaters should be advised that the water may recede more slowly on the Gravois and Niangua arms of the Lake. Boaters are still urged to exercise caution and courtesy on the water, as some structures may still be partly submerged and could be damaged by boat wakes. Additionally, high water has pulled a large amount of debris into the Lake, which has the potential to damage boat equipment.

Bagnell Dam operators intend to reduce outflow to 50,000 cubic feet per second today as Truman Lake begins to begin dumping water into Lake of the Ozarks. The Truman Lake water level was 720.6 last night.

Ameren records show the Lake crested at 11 a.m., Thursday, at 662.55 feet. Over the subsequent day, with floodgates open, the level slowly dropped below 661 by 7 p.m. Friday.

The Water Patrol announced a No-Wake zone for the entire Lake of the Ozarks at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday, a little late for the comfort level of lakefront property owners already flooded.

Governor Jay Nixon pointed out at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, “Until you get down to 661, the Lake of the Ozarks is a pretty dangerous place.”

Although the Highway Patrol's initial press release announced the no-wake zone would be in effect until the Lake dropped below 661, which happened at 7 p.m. Friday, they kept it in force until 8 a.m. Saturday, July 4.

Tips For Boating This Weekend:

  • Stick to No-Wake in coves until the Lake reaches full-pool, 660 feet
  • Boat in the middle of the channel
  • Keep a sharp eye out for debris in the water and avoid it, to prevent damaging your boat
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