LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Powerful winds will move through the Lake area on Thursday afternoon, posing a risk to docks as well as a fire risk.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Thursday, March 5, from noon until 6 p.m. The National Weather Service says winds will be increasing throughout the day, coming from the northwest. That combined with the low humidity (between 20-30 percent) and warmer temperatures poses a significant fire risk, the NWS says. Outdoor burning is not recommended, as fires can flare up and get out of control quickly in such conditions.
However, dock owners—and dock builders—know high winds can be perilous for docks too. Wind storms are notorious for breaking docks loose from their shoreline anchors at Lake of the Ozarks, however, Jason Killian of Atlas Docks explains winds are typically only a problem for docks when the dock cables have not been maintained. This time of year, Ameren—the utility company that owns and controls Bagnell Dam—lowers the Lake level by about 5 or 6 feet, in preparation for spring rains. When the Lake falls, some docks cables will go slack, particularly if the cables aren't anchored along the same plane/level as the dock ramp.
Those slack dock cables are the problem. They allow the wind to blow the dock around, which creates serious strain on the cables as they go from slack to taut. Tightening the cables after the Lake level changes—and replacing them when they're in bad shape—should keep most docks safe even on windy days, Killian said.
Many dock builders offer cable-tightening and dock maintenance/inspection services. Check out Lake of the Ozarks dock companies below:
One Source Services -- 573-502-9350
Ozark Barge & Dock -- 573-372-5501
Dock Works -- 573-964-1919
