Floodgates now open at Lake of the Ozarks

Ameren said Wednesday they have opened floodgates on Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Right now, the lake level is at 661 feet, and the normal lake level is right around 660. Engineers have had to open more gates since Wednesday morning.

There are 62,000 cubic feet of water rushing out of the gates into the Osage River.

Officials plan to keep an eye on those throughout the night to see if they need to increase the water flow.

Residents may notice some effects from the increase of water in the Osage River.

“There will be some minor low level land flooding and some farmers will be impacted with their crop ground. It won’t be a massive flood but there will be some impact downstream.”

Officials are also urging those who live along the lake to be cautious, as well.

“We know as the lake levels rise there could be damage to people’s yards and there may be even some dock damage. We really advise people on the Lake of the Ozarks to take a look at your docks to make sure they’re handling the high lake levels okay.”

If you’re in the water and feel a tingling sensation, officials said to swim away from the dock and toward the shore.

The company was also forced to open 11 of the 12 gates for similar issues in early August of 2013.

That time, it released over 40,000 cubic feet of water, flooding Highway V and trapping several residents.

The mayor of Bagnell told ABC 17 News it damaged city roads and forced evacuations. The dam stayed open until water levels dropped below 660 feet.