TO LOWER LAKE

WAPPAPELLO -- The Wappapello Lake stage will be lowed one foot below normal conservation pool, to 353.7 National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) between March 8 and 12.

"This date could change if heavy amounts of rainfall and incoming river flow occurs," said Michael McClendon, of the Corps of Engineers. "Currently, we're planning an inspection of the gatehouse, dam and dike structures between March 8-12."

The lower lake elevation will stop the flow of water through the gatehouse. Every five years the dewatering procedure is necessary to check and monitor structures and equipment.

McClendon urges extra care by boaters.

"Lake and river characteristics change and expose new hazards during the lower level," he said.