Lake, Osage River property owners advised to prepare for winter

Ameren Missouri is advising dock owners to prepare for winter conditions on the Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River.

Property owners are encouraged to to protect their docks from lower water levels, ice, and other winter conditions.

The shift in water levels due to winter weather can cause damage to electrical wiring.

Ameren said it typically lowers the water level at the Lake of the Ozarks to 654, which is 6 feet below the full level of 660 feet to reduce the chance of flooding during spring rains.

The Osage River may fluctuate when water is released from the Bagnell Dam to meet electricity demand.

Below the dam, property owners on the Osage River should remove docks, lengthen cables, and make sure that hinges have flexibility to follow water level fluctuations.