HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says these lower water levels are the result of a combination of things. From the hot dry weather and little rainfall to a higher demand for electricity and boaters need to be aware.
It is an impressive sight to see, the Greers Ferry Dam holding back more than 30,000 acres of water surface and using that water to create electricity.
"We generate power that travels throughout most of the state of Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma and parts of Kansas. Right now we're only generating maybe one unit in the evening just to kind of help the trout in keeping them cool in the evening and the hotter parts of the day," says Superintendent Kurt Kueter.
Kueter says due to little rainfall, low water levels are forcing the dam to cut back on electricity generation.
"July has been forecast to drop two and a half feet and we're pretty much on target for that projection. Right now, we're at 78% of our conservation pool so our target is 100% conservation pool but as you can tell, we're a little bit lower than right now," says Kueter.
Not a dangerous figure, Kueter says but one they are urging boaters on the lake to consider before heading out.
"You'll start seeing some stumps come up. You might see some things in the lake that you wouldn't normally see on a higher lake elevation. Also, for the dock owners, you might need to be a little bit more careful of where your dock is in the water," says Park Ranger David Moore. "There are islands on the lake that you would not see when the lake level is higher than it is right now. They start to expose themselves and you never know if they are just a propellers length below your boat."
The Corp of Engineers says Beaver, Tablerock, Bull Shoals and Norfolk lakes will also see some lower levels but nothing the be concerned about. Corp lakes are built to handle no rainfall for two years in a severe drought situation. If another dry summer plagues the state next year, officials say that could be a cause for concern.
The Corp of Engineers is also asking boaters to wear your life jackets on the water and use navigation lights in the evenings. You can find a lake map at any ranger station that details some of the most hazardous areas.