Wappapello Lake to begin winter drawdown next week

WAPPAPELLO — As part of its primary mission as a flood-control reservoir, the staff at Wappapello Lake will begin the annual drawdown of the lake to winter conservation pool next week.

The drawdown is done to ensure there is enough storage capacity in the lake to hold winter run-off and spring storm water, which in turn protects downstream farmland.

Currently near its summer recreation pool of 359.74 feet, Wappapello Lake slowly will be drawn down to 354.74 feet, which is its winter conservation pool.

The drawdown is expected to begin Tuesday, but the lake’s new water management plan allows for some variance, depending on current conditions. The process actually can begin up to two weeks before or two weeks after the targeted start date.

“Before we had the flood back in 2017, that plan was revised in order to give us a little more leeway as far as reaching winter pool,” said Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson.

Until recently, Jefferson said, Wappapello Lake had been uncharacteristically stable for most of the year. In most years, its level fluctuates widely, depending on heavy rains and the time of the year.

“The lake was pretty stable most of the year,” Jefferson said.

Recent rains did raise the water level, but not by much.

“We had high water about a week or so ago, but we’re getting back down to our normal summer pool,” Jefferson said.

Once the winter drawdown begins, Jefferson said, staff will keep a close eye on things, especially conditions.

“One of the things we have to keep in mind as far as making gate changes to reach winter pool is to remember the farmers and others who are downstream,” Jefferson noted. “Therefore, the decisions have to be coordinated from our district office, as well as from this area.

“We really are the eyes and ears when it comes down to having a visual on how things are going.”

Depending on additional rainfall, the lake is expected to reach its winter conservation pool by the first week of January.

“That is contingent upon any future precipitation, especially farther up in the watershed,” Jefferson said.

Once at winter pool, the lake will be held there until April 1, when it slowly will be raised back to summer recreation pool.

In the meantime, Jefferson said, it’s important for boaters to be cautious of the lower water levels.

“We encourage boaters, especially those not familiar with the lake, if they’re going to be out, to try to remain closer to the mid-river channel buoys. There are a lot of tree stumps and other debris. At winter pool, some of it is visible, but some of it is not,” he said.

Those with duck blinds on the lake also are encouraged to pay attention to water levels and move their blinds if necessary before they become grounded.

For more information about lake operations, call the project office at 573-222-8562 during normal business hours.