LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District is advising anglers, homeowners and others who use the Little Red River that releases from Greers Ferry Dam were reduced Oct. 15 and are expected to remain minimal during at least the next 30 days.
With near normal rainfall and mild temperatures forecast for the next 30 days, hydropower demand is expected to be low, so hydropower generation will not add much water during the next month unless demand increases.
During hot months, the Corps, working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, stores extra water and releases it from the dam to help maintain cooler water temperatures downstream for the trout. This occurs from May 1 until Oct. 15 each year.
Since Oct. 15 has passed and mild weather has caused a reduction in hydropower generation, there will be less flow from the dam into the Little Red River.
Besides lower flows on the river, rainfall may temporarily muddy the river. The river water can appear more turbid or cloudy. In summer, when releases are made to keep the water temperature lower for trout, the clear water released from the dam keeps water in the river looking clearer.
On a related note, dry weather has caused Greers Ferry Lake to drop to less than 77 percent of its conservation storage capacity. Conservation storage is held to provide water supply and hydropower generation, and there is still enough water to supply these two needs for an extended dry period. However the Corps must be cautious about releasing water unnecessarily because this could be only the beginning of a long dry spell.
Little Rock District news and recreation information can be found at www.about.me/usacelittlerock.
Release no. 14-086