To meet increased electricity demand, the Ameren Missouri's Bagnall Dam will be generating electricity as normal - releasing water into the Osage River.
The increased demand for electricity can result in river-level fluctuations as icing conditions exist. Property owners are urged to take appropriate measures to protect their docks from level fluctuations, ice formations and other winter conditions that can occur under these extreme weather icing conditions.
Ameren Missouri offers the following tips:
• If possible, remove docks before the onset of cold weather.
• Disconnect hinges linking docks and seawalls or piers to allow the entire structure to follow the water level up and down.
• Lengthen cables to permit docks to drop as the river level drops.
• Use a dock deicer to help protect docks from damage caused by ice forming around the dock. A deicer will not provide dock protection against large masses of ice flowing downstream and impacting docks.
Ameren Missouri also reminds the public that water releases from Bagnell Dam into the Osage River can occur at any time. These releases can result in swift currents and rapidly rising water levels in the river.
Ameren Missouri provides recorded information about Lake of the Ozarks levels - updated daily on weekdays - 365-9205. In addition, hourly information about water levels is available at AmerenMissouri.com/Lake (click on Lake Levels & Operations). For example, typically there is a 20- to 24-hour delay from when water released at the Osage Energy Center reaches Osage River areas near Jefferson City.