HAVANA, Ark. -- USACE to host public meeting for proposed drawdown at Blue Mountain Lake
HAVANA, Ark. - The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is scheduling a public meeting to discuss a proposed drawdown at Blue Mountain Lake beginning this fall.
The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 28, 2025, at the Booneville Community Building, located at 426 North Holden, Booneville, Arkansas.
USACE is planning the drawdown in a partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in two separate phases. Phase one is expected to begin Sept. 2, 2025, when the lake will be lowered to elevation 384. This phase brings the reservoir down to its winter pool levels approximately one month ahead of schedule.
During this phase, mudflats will be exposed and seeded with millet which will help improve waterfowl and aquatic habitats.
Phase two is expected to begin May 1, 2026, when the lake will be lowered to elevation 374. The lake is expected to reach this elevation by July 25, 2026, and will remain at this elevation until Nov. 1, 2026. The lake will gradually return to elevation 384, depending upon rainfall.
During phase two of the drawdown, designated swimming areas within the parks will be closed. Boat access will be limited to a temporary ramp located at Ashley Creek Park. Water activities such as skiing, tubing and the use of personal watercraft will be prohibited. Boaters visiting the lake during this time are encouraged to use extreme caution due to shallow water and submerged hazards.
For more information, contact the Nimrod-Blue Mountain Site Office at 479-272-4324.
Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on the USACE Little Rock water level mobile app at www.swl.usace.army.mil/Home/water-control-app/.