Local Boating Information

Introduction

This provides you with information about challenges to safe boating unique to this area.

Southern Missouri/Northern Arkansas

The following unique aspects about this geographic area provide particular challenges to boating safety:

• The larger lakes were formed for the purpose of controlling floods, generation of hydroelectric power and  recreational water uses.
• After the dams were constructed, low lands upstream from the dams flooded until the newly formed lakes reached there normal pool level.  Trees, various structures, etc. were not removed, thereby, becoming part of the lake floor.  Though this provides excellent habitat for fish, etc. it creates hazards for boaters, especially when the lake water is low. 
• Depth finders are an important instrument on these lakes to help avoid personal injury and damage to boats.  The floor of the lakes carry the same landscape as before the area was flooded.  If the lake level drops, the islands, boulders and tree stumps may appear (or be very close to the surface) in places not previously seen when the water level was higher.  It is recommended that  boaters review a lake map before boating to become familiar with the layout of the lake, both above and below the water, and try to identify potential obstacles.  Water levels are usually at their lowest between Fall to early Spring due to the flood control objectives.
• High winds can be  hazardous especially in the main lake section.
• Extra caution should be taken when boating near a dam.  The closer a boat gets to the dam, the more danger the boater is in.  Changing currents and waves make the boat more difficult to operate.  Obey all DANGER and WARNING signs.