High Lake Levels Raise Need for Boating Precautions
April 2002

Recent heavy rains have caused Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes to rise forcing the closure of some facilities at Army Corps of Engineers managed parks and requiring visitors to take a few extra precautions.

Many of the areas of the park are ready and waiting for visitors, according to Tracy Fancher of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The water was above boat launching ramps and beach areas and has flooded several camp and picnic sites. Signs at the park entrance stations alert visitors, and park attendants are reminding campers as they check in, Fancher stated in a press release. The Corps advises persons with reservations for campsites or group shelters to contact the National Reservation Service at (888) 448-1474 to check the availability of sites.

"Visitors should exercise caution because an increased number of people are expected to use the lakes as the recreation season nears," he stated. "Boaters should use caution when launching, as high water can make ramps tricky. Be patient if others take a little longer than normal to launch."

Fancher suggested that when boating near the shore or in coves to go slowly and be careful to avoid underwater obstacles such as sign posts, picnic tables, trees, stumps and other obstructions that are normally on dry ground.

"These hidden objects can make diving into the lake especially dangerous, so be sure to swim in designated areas only," he cautioned.

"High water during spring and early summer can benefit anglers in the long run," he continued. "Water covering shoreline vegetation allows better fish spawning and increases the survival rates of young fish."

These high water levels are not out of the ordinary because one of the duties of Bull Shoals and Norfork, two of the six Corps lakes in the White River basin are to help reduce flooding of homes, farms and businesses downstream.

"The lakes are doing what they were designed to do," he stated.

For more information about recreational opportunities and water safety at Norfork or Bull Shoals lakes, call the Mountain Home Project Office at (870) 425-2700