MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. -- The Army Corps of Engineers will begin spillway releases June 24 from Norfork Dam as part of the ongoing effort to evacuate water captured during heavy spring rains.
A falling lake level will come as welcome news to many who live around or visit Norfork Lake. Norfork Lake’s flood storage is at 67% full, which is higher than the combined 53% full three-lake White River System: Bull Shoals, Table Rock, and Beaver lakes.
Once Norfork Lake’s flood storage percent has been reduced to match that of the combined three-lake White River System flood control pools, hydropower releases from Bull Shoals are expected to increase, as well. Currently, that balance is expected to occur at about 50% by July 4.
Those who live below the White River System lakes should be aware of higher flows and plan accordingly.
Officials advise boat dock owners to keep an eye on their docks and move them as needed to prevent them from grounding.
The Corps also advises boaters to slow down, wear life jackets, use depth finders and check with local marinas about possible trouble spots as lake levels are reduced.
The Corps’ boat launch ramp below Norfork Dam will be closed Sunday evening prior to spillway releases. A list of high water recreation closures is on the Corps’ web page at swl.usace.army.mil. Recreation information can be found on the Internet at recreation.gov.
Release no. 19-081