Lake of the Ozarks Drawdown Has Begun

Ameren Missouri officials use Bagnell Dam to control the water level at the Lake of the Ozarks. In January and February of every year, officials lower the Lake's water level by several feet in order to prevent flooding when the spring rains hit.

If you are the proud owner of a waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, there are certain steps that must be taken in order to protect your dock from damage during this annual drawdown. Here's a little bit of background information on the drawdown, and some suggestions for protecting your docks.

Annual Lake Drawdown at the Lake of the Ozarks

The ideal water level for the Lake of the Ozarks is about 660 feet above sea level. March and April typically bring heavier rains, so throughout January and February of every year, plant officials at Bagnell Dam lower the water level at the Lake to about 654 feet above sea level. 

These numbers serve as general guidelines. Officials at Bagnell Dam must consider a wide variety of factors when choosing the exact water level, such as the demand for power generation and weather predictions.

Dock Preparation Methods

6 feet may not sound like a lot, but docks can suffer serious damage when the water level drops that much if proper preventative measures have not been taken. Here are some suggestions for protecting your docks from damage during the drawdown:

• Lengthen dock cables to allow room for the dock to lower as the water level does
• Make sure the pins and hinges connecting your dock to your seawall have proper leeway for the dock to drop down
• Install a deicer to keep ice blocks from forming around your dock

Osage River Residents Need To Take Action Also

The Lake drawdown does not only affect people with lakefront properties. People who have docks along the Osage River (beneath Bagnell Dam) need to take action also in order to prevent damage to their property. If at all possible, most people recommend that you take your dock out of the river. If this is not possible, however, then you should lengthen your dock cables to allow the dock to move with the current. Just like the lakefront residents, you should also install a reliable deicer to prevent ice buildup around your dock.

Homeownership certainly comes with its fair share of responsibilities. When you live at the Lake, though, the benefits far outweigh the costs. If you are considering buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, please don't hesitate to give me a call! I would love to help you find your new dream home at the Lake.

Susan Spica, Professional Realtor

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868
Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484
Gina's Cell: (573) 889-9477