DIERKS, Ark. – The Army Corps of Engineers, Dierks Project Office is asking for public comments on a proposed water deviation request. The special deviation request is in conjunction with a kayak festival planned for June 17 through 19 at Dierks Lake spillway.
If approved, water releases between 300 and 500 cubic feet per second would be released though the dam during the festival hours of 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. While 300-500 c.f.s. is not an uncommon release from Dierks when the lake is in flood pool, the average daily release for June is 150 c.f.s. The releases "during the deviation" would be higher than average to accommodate the kayak festival.
The proposed deviation, if approved, will be contingent upon favorable hydrologic conditions at the time of the event. If these conditions change for the worse, an approved deviation can be canceled.
During the festival whitewater safety classes will be offered to local firefighters, first responders and the general public as well as a Disabled Veterans Team River Run benefiting wounded warriors.
Comments can be mailed, to the Corps’ Dierks Field Office at P.O. Box 8, Dierks, Ark. 71833; emailed to CESWL-MW-DL@usace.army.mil or faxed to 870-286-2945 but must be postmarked or received by May 24.
Release no. 16-052