Wappapello Lake – April 14, 2023: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake has canceled the drawdown and dewatering scheduled for the 2023 periodic inspection of the dam, dikes, gatehouse, spillway and other related structures. The lake will no longer be lowered for dewatering of the dam in 2023. An ongoing effort to schedule and complete the inspection since February has been delayed due to reoccurring precipitation events, increased inflow amounts, and associated elevated lake levels. Engineers from the Corps’ St. Louis District and project personnel performed the majority of the inspection other than the underwater portions in 2022 and have determined to close the inspection. The periodic inspections will resume with the normal five-year frequency as scheduled for 2027. This year’s wet weather has impacted the watershed and the ability to complete the dewatering for the periodic inspection prior the Mid-April deadline. The Water Control Manual calls to manage the reservoir for recreation pool at elevation 359.74’ no later than April 15th. Under present conditions, the lake level will be brought to recreation pool, elevation 359.74 feet, through continued releases in Mid-April. If you have questions concerning the periodic inspection or other topics, please call the Wappapello Lake Project Office at (573) 222-8562.