BEAVER LAKE (KFSM) - With a large storm headed towards Northwest Arkansas, the Army Corps of Engineers is also preparing, as water levels at the lake remain high from a Spring full of rain.
“Obviously, we are keeping an eye on things. Primarily, because lake levels are already high,” said Michael Hurley, Chief Park Ranger at Beaver Lake.
Hurley said the flood gates at the dam are less than a foot away from being opened.
He credits the generators at the dam for keeping the water at level.
“With all the rainfall we have had in the previous few days, we have been able to maintain the lake level where it is through our two generators.”
As the water levels vary, the corps is forced to close many campsites as well.
“We currently have 120 campsites closed. That’s at various parks, like Horseshoe Bend.”
Hurley said, if the storm this week brings a significant amount of water to the lake, the debris that is currently on many of those campsites and shores could be a hazard for boats later in the week.
“With high water events like this, there are additional hazards, especially for boaters,” Hurley said. “Whenever they are out and about, there is a lot of floating debris. And when the lake comes up, there is a lot of floating debris off the shore line.”