The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake is preparing for the annual winter drawdown from recreation pool to conservation pool. In accordance with the water control plan, the pool is drawn down from the recreation pool elevation of 359.74 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), to a conservation pool elevation of 354.74 feet NGVD (five feet lower). This will begin early to mid-December.

Releases are dependent on lake elevation and inflow into the lake when drawdown begins. With current conditions, releases are planned to be 1,500 to 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) until the lake elevation falls to conservation pool. Barring significant precipitation, the lake should reach conservation pool by early January.

The conservation pool target elevation continues until late March, which allows for additional storage of winter and spring precipitation. Beginning in late March, the lake level is planned to be gradually raised by precipitation until the recreation pool is reached in early May.
During conservation pool, boaters are urged to use caution when on the lake. Several shallow areas are present on the lake at this time. Mud flats and tree stumps may be exposed or are just under the water’s surface. To aid in navigation, the old river channel is marked with red/white vertically striped mid-channel buoys from the dam to Chaonia Landing.

Between Chaonia Landing and Sulphur Springs there are nine “arrow signs” which help direct boaters in the direction of the river channel. Persons with permitted floating duck blinds on the lake are also reminded to keep a watch on water levels, especially those in the back of coves or other shallow areas. Blinds are to be removed from the lake or moored in designated storage coves no later than January 13, 2009.

Due to the expected late arrival of the 2009 annual day use passes, the $3/day
boat ramp use fee is being waived until March 1, 2009. All boat ramp facilities where the day use fee is charged will have the honor vaults and signs covered with plastic bags.
If you have any questions concerning the annual winter drawdown, 2009 annual passes, or other topics, contact the Wappapello Lake Project Office at (573) 222-8562.

— Corps of Engineers news release

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						on Friday, December 12th, 2008 at 3:41 am						and is filed under Outdoor News,  Ozarks News.
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