Rough River Lake


Temporary Delay in Winter Draw Down: Originally we planned to begin winter draw down on December 1st, following the completion of work on the stilling basin wall. Due to ongoing low flow conditions in the Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio River Valleys, we have been directed by our Division office located in Cincinnati, Ohio, to postpone our draw down until 7-10 December. Low flow conditions along the Mississippi River are expected to reach severe levels during early December. Flow reductions from Missouri River projects are expected to reach the Ohio River – Mississippi River confluence during the first week of December. Short range forecasts indicate little rain is expected through the first week of December. As a result, stages on the Ohio River at Cairo will be at their greatest risk of falling to critically low levels during the first two weeks of December. The fall draw down of Corps reservoir projects normally provides incidental benefits to navigation (barge traffic) during the seasonal low flow period. It is anticipated that this delay in draw down will extend the incidental benefits through the lower Ohio River during what is forecast to be a critically low level period during the first two weeks of December.