Lake of the Ozarks now no-wake-zone possibly through this weekend

On Thursday, Governor Jay Nixon directed the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to institute a no-wake policy in response to high water levels.

Unless the water levels drop, it will be slow boating on the Lake of the Ozarks this holiday weekend.

It is anticipated that by Saturday, releases from Bagnell Dam will take the lake level below 661 feet so that the order can be lifted.

“When the lake is this full, the risk of property damage and even personal injury, as a result of large wakes from boats, becomes even greater”, Nixon told reporters Thursday.

Nixon’s announcement means boaters can once again operate above idle speed, but are urged to watch for tree branches or other debris in the water.

The water levels got to more than four feet higher than normal due to the recent heavy rains.

“We want people to have fun, but to be very aware of wake impact while the Lake is so high”. “As the water levels recede, residents should exercise caution and consider having their structures inspected when turning the power back on”. This policy is in effect for the entire lake area.

Without floodgates open, the dam is capable of running about 40,000 cfs through the turbines.

All boaters should reduce their speeds to no-wake levels.

Emergency response vessels are the only ones exempted from the no-wake restrictions.

Stockton Lake is 5.5 feet higher than normal.

“Property owners need to turn off electricity to their docks, patios, or any other facilities if any part of the electrical supply is under water, or if it could be under water”, said Warren Witt, Bagnell Dam’s Director of Hydro Operations.