Three Things For Dock Owners To Do While The Lake Is Low

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The Lake level is dropping, and that gives Lakefront homeowners a window of a few months to make repairs and improvements while the water is low.

Ameren draws down the Lake of the Ozarks every winter, to allow for heavy spring rains.

Docks On Dry Ground As Lake Of The Ozarks Water Level Hits Rare Low

Up to seven inches of rain were expected this week, and Ameren lowered the Lake in anticipation. But most of that rain skipped the Lake area, and now docks are on dry ground.

Docks On The Ground — The docks at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill sit partially on the ground, on Saturday, March 12, 2016, with the Lake of the Ozarks at its lowest level in years. Before the busy boating season begins, dock owners can take advantage of the low water levels to get their docks checked.
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photo by JB Simpson

Ameren will start raising the Lake level again at the beginning of April, aiming for full pool—660 feet—by late May, for the start of the busy boating season.

If you own a dock or live on the water, here are three things to do while the Lake is low:

Check the electric. Some docks will end up sitting on dry ground (or mud), and Ameren says that is an opportune time to check whether docks are well-grounded and their electric connections are sound. Many electric companies at the Lake offer free dock inspections.
Repair seawalls or install rip rap. With low lake levels, seawalls are exposed, and landscaping and dock companies say this is the time for customers to have their seawall repaired or rip rap installed.
Get dock and lift structures inspected. Particularly for those whose docks are sitting on the ground, it’s a good idea to get the dock and lift checked out by a professional before the Lake returns to normal levels and the wakes of a busy summer reveal any issues.

Ameren also reminds boaters that the low lake level may create some additional hazards, and to use caution when navigating the Lake. Boaters should be aware of underwater hazards such as stumps, rocks and other objects that now may be exposed or lying just beneath the surface.

Ameren Missouri offers a daily report on Lake of the Ozarks water levels, which can be obtained by calling 1.573.365.9205 or by visiting AmerenMissouri.com/lake for hourly water-level information.