River levels hold despite Friday's rains

Flooding for the Osage Beach City Park's pond washed out underneath the parking lot's pavement and debris destroyed the black top. This parking lot, which was installed last year, cost the city about $80,000.
Flooding for the Osage Beach City Park's pond washed out underneath the parking lot's pavement and debris destroyed the black top. This parking lot, which was installed last year, cost the city about $80,000.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS - The level of the Osage River near the town of Bagnell held steady even after more heavy rain fell Friday.

Matt Birdsley, assistant fire chief for the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, said he traveled down the now reopened Route V to check the town of Bagnell and campground area to see if the Osage River's banks had been breached. He said the water, which had receded Thursday, was holding even after Friday's rainfall.

The town of Bagnell and campground area was evacuated Wednesday morning before Ameren Missouri opened Bagnell Dam's floodgates to alleviate excess water from Lake of the Ozarks. The water raised the Osage River levels that were already elevated after Tuesday night's storm, which produced about 8 to 9 inches of rainfall throughout Mid-Missouri.

Birdsley said Lake Ozark Fire Protection District units helped evacuate campers and residents in the Bagnell and campground areas Wednesday morning. However, the Osage River water level did recede Thursday afternoon, allowing residents to return and Route V, which leads to this area, to reopen.

"There were no areas that were flooded; it held in place," he added.

Damage estimates for Bagnell and the surrounding areas were not immediately available.

Online resources:

Lake operational data from Ameren Missouri

Area river and stream stages and forecasts

Weather and flood advisories, watches and warnings

MoDOT Traveler Information Map (road closings)