LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Winter at the Lake can take a toll on docks, from Ameren's annual winter drawdown to frozen-over coves and heavy snow.

But dock owners can take a few steps to ensure their investment is protected for another season, especially as Ameren prepares to lower the Lake level over the next few months.

Lake and river level fluctuations occur for several reasons. At Lake of the Ozarks, Ameren Missouri generally lowers the water level during wintertime to about 654 feet above sea level—or six feet below the full reservoir level of 660 feet—to reduce the possibility of flooding during spring rains. The Osage River level may fluctuate when Ameren Missouri's Bagnell Dam releases water to meet increased electricity demand.

While the changing water levels are necessary to store water for flood control in the spring, as well as to supply the community's electrical needs, they can also put strain on structures like docks.

“People need to prepare their docks for the drawdown,” said Alan Sullivan, Consulting Engineer for Ameren Missouri at Bagnell Dam.

In order to avoid damage, dock owners are advised to follow a number of basic tips to winterize their structure:

  1. All docks should be tested to ensure that they can safely rise and fall with the water levels: residents should check to make sure the dock isn't pinned or hampered by any stumps or objects, and inspect all dock cables and bolts for loose parts or rust. Water lines should be drained, and boat lifts should be raised to ensure they are holding air.
  2. Cables should be lengthened to allow docks to drop as the Lake or river levels drop. Hinges, pins and other connections linking any remaining docks to seawalls or piers have the flexibility to follow water level fluctuations.
  3. Dock owners should make sure that they have a proper deicer and that the machine is working properly. For example, agitators are typically meant for deeper waters, as they are designed to bring up warmer water from the depths to prevent ice from forming. In contrast, bubblers are made for shallower waters, because they use compressed air to disturb the water, preventing ice from forming in areas that lack a warm undercurrent.
  4. Below the dam, dock owners should remove their docks from the Osage River before cold weather hits.

"Winter conditions and ice can pose risks for dock owners both above and below Bagnell Dam," said Jeff Green, Ameren Missouri’s shoreline management supervisor. "We record the Lake level phone message each weekday. It's a dock owner's best source of up-to-date information on Lake water levels and river flows."

Dock owners can also stay informed of developing changes by calling Ameren's Lake Level forecast, a recorded message which is updated every morning at 9 a.m. to share projected daily water releases and lake levels for the next three days. The forecast can be reached at 573-365-9205. Or click here to see an hourly report of Lake levels.

Ameren Missouri also reminds the public that Bagnell Dam water releases may occur at any time and may result in swift currents and rapidly rising water levels in the Osage River. The dam sounds a warning siren before starting and stopping generators.

By taking the steps listed above, homeowners can stay abreast of changes, and protect their property and recreation plans—fishing, boating and swimming—for warmer months.

Don't let the rising and falling water levels in the winter keep you from doing what you love on the Lake year-round! Ask yourself: is your dock ready for the winter drawdown?

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Did You Know?

Studies show that almost 48 million people participated in freshwater, saltwater and/or fly fishing in the United States in 2012; the Lake of the Ozarks is increasingly known as a premier summertime destination, but the cooler months are when the fishing tournaments thrive. Docks serve not only as a place to store and launch boats, but they also provide habitats for game fish -- bass in particular, which like to linger around the corners of docks for food and protective cover.