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Release No. 129-08
Contact: P.J. Spaul
Phone: (501) 324-5551

WHITE RIVER DAMS CONTINUE TO REDUCE FLOODING;
NO LARGE RELEASES NEEDED

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 4 – As remnants of Gustav finally move out of the White River Basin, officials of the Army Corps of Engineers continue to operate the federal lakes according to plan to minimize flooding in the White River valley. Also, officials say no large releases from the Corps dams will be necessary because of this rain system.

The National Weather Service has forecast the river stage at Newport to rise from 14.6 feet Thursday to a crest of about 25.6 feet Saturday. Flood stage is 26 feet. This rise is coming from tributaries downstream of the Corps dams, primarily the Buffalo River.

On Tuesday, the Corps reduced releases from Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry, and the lakes are rising as they capture flood water. The Corps further reduced releases to zero beginning Thursday afternoon through Friday from Bull Shoals and Norfork.

This is helping reduce the peak stage downstream that would otherwise have been caused by the rain. After downstream river crests begin falling, releases will be timed to allow the river stage at Newport to return to and hold at 12 feet as water is evacuated from the lakes to make them ready should another round of heavy rain occur.

Rainfall totals upstream of Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry lakes were significant, though the dams will be able to contain this floodwater without making large releases. Those in the vicinity of Table Rock Dam will see some spillway releases this week, but the total amount will not be unusual and will not affect downstream homeowners.

Public safety is always a concern of the Corps, and people working or engaging in recreation downstream should remain aware of the potential for changes in river flows and take appropriate precautions. Anglers should be vigilant that escape routes are not cut off by rising water. Downstream dock owners should ensure their docks are properly secured.

Those further downstream along the White River or its tributaries should stay abreast of National Weather Service river stage forecasts. The Weather Service posts river stage forecasts at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/.

Information regarding lake levels and power generation is available at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil, under the Daily Reports (Little Rock District Lakes Pool Forecast) or Real-time Data (Reservoirs) headings.