Lake draw down begins next week

Ameren Missouri will begin the annual winter draw down of Lake of the Ozarks next month. This process helps provide room in the lake to handle larger spring rains. Property and dock owners at the Lake should take steps now to winterize their docks. Ameren Missouri generally lowers the water level at the Lake during winter months to about 654 feet above sea level—or six feet below the full reservoir level of 660 feet—to reduce the possibility of flooding during spring rains. The Osage River level also fluctuates when Ameren Missouri’s Bagnell Dam releases water during the draw down and to meet the demand for electricity. Information about lake water levels is available at AmerenMissouri.com/Missouri/LakeLevels. Water levels are also updated daily at 573.365.9205.