Little Rock District News Releases

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-36 Lock 9 Reopened

Press Operations — Thu, 29 May 2025 19:34:37 GMT

Arthur V. Ormond Lock (No. 9) NM 176.9 has reopened to navigation traffic.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increases spillway release at Norfork Dam

Press Operations — Wed, 28 May 2025 21:25:57 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, is making further adjustments to spillway operations at Norfork Dam as water levels continue to rise due to recent heavy rainfall.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-35 Lock 9 Closure - High Flows

Press Operations — Wed, 28 May 2025 21:15:16 GMT

Due to high flows on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the Arthur V. Ormond Lock (No. 9) NM 176.9 is closed to traffic. The lock will reopen as the flows drop to safe navigation levels.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-34 Lock 1 Navigation Pass Open (Through Lock)

Press Operations — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:01:41 GMT

The tailwater elevation at Norrell Lock (No. 1) NM 10.3 has exceeded 143.0 feet. All vessels will be directed to transit through the lock chamber with pinned open gates while the tailwater elevation remains above 143.0 feet. When the tailwater elevation drops below 143.0 feet, vessels will use the lock. Prior to arrival, vessels shall contact lock personnel at (501) 324-7341 or on channel 16 to receive the latest information regarding any changes to the special navigation procedures at Lock 1.

USACE reminds everyone to be water safe this Memorial Day weekend

Press Operations — Thu, 22 May 2025 14:08:25 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding everyone to practice good water safety habits over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-33 Lock 1 Tow Haulage Out of Service

Press Operations — Wed, 21 May 2025 18:09:19 GMT

The tow haulage equipment at Norrell Lock (No. 1) NM 10.3 is currently out of service. Double cut tows will have to be locked the conventional way (without the use of tow haulage). A follow up notice will be distributed when the tow haulage equipment is back in service.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-32 Lock 1 Operational

Press Operations — Wed, 21 May 2025 18:05:49 GMT

Due to tailwater elevations falling below 143.0 feet at Norrell Lock (No. 1) NM 10.3, the lock chamber is now operational for navigation. All vessels are required to pass through lock.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-31 Lock 5 DS Appr - Sailing Instruction

Press Operations — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:17:33 GMT

Due to shoaling, mariners are advised that until further notice, both upbound and downbound tows should favor the long wall in the downstream approach to Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock (No. 5) NM 86.3.

USACE closes swim beach at Waveland Park until further notice

Press Operations — Fri, 16 May 2025 19:49:30 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nimrod-Blue Mountain Project Office is closing the swim beach at Waveland Park on Blue Mountain Lake until further notice because of higher than acceptable E. coli levels that were found during routine testing.

USACE seeks public input on the Emmett Sanders Embankment Repair Plan

Press Operations — Wed, 14 May 2025 19:42:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, is accepting public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment and draft Finding of No Significant Impact for proposed repairs to the left embankment at Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam in Jefferson County, Arkansas.

Little Rock District announces reduction in services at Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes

Press Operations — Mon, 12 May 2025 19:53:59 GMT

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to temporarily adjust services at Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes beginning May 12, 2025 because of staffing shortages and safety concerns. This proactive measure is for visitor safety and will allow USACE to focus resources on other priority areas.

USACE announces major construction work at Cranfield Park

Press Operations — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:03:47 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District will start a major roadwork, paving, and park enhancement project on May 12, 2025, at Cranfield Park recreation area on Norfork Lake.

MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 25-30 Lock 9 Tow Haulage Return to Service

Press Operations — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:24:25 GMT

The required work on the lock shelters is complete and the tow haulage equipment at Ormond Lock (No. 9) NM 176.9 has been returned to service.