The lake level is 559.44 and has dropped 7-1/2 inches in the last 24-hours with one generator running continuously and spillway gates open to an equivalent of 2-1/3rd more generators. They just opened up spillway gates a little more last hour. The White River at Newport is 23.33 feet and dropping. They are still predicting Norfork to Reach the top of the power pool of 553.75 and they are schedule to accomplish that. They manage down to the top of the power pool, turn the generation schedule over to Southwestern Power which immediately slows all discharges until the next big rain and then do it all over again. It is not the way I would like it managed but is much better than hold and hope and then flood everything out downstream after the crops are up in the delta. We are not too wet here and can take an inch of rain without much rise in water level. It all depends on where it comes and how fast. The snow melt up north in both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers will cause floods and they will be reluctant to add water to the problem from the White River. This is their chance to drop the earea lakes and they are taking advantage of it. Next Thursday's weather concerns me. We are right in the bulls eye for another storm. We have missed all of them so far and I am thankful for that. They have a history of wind and hail but not much rain in this area but who knows?I certainly do not. It is very good news that we are back below 560 and parking lots and launches are mostly back to normal and it will make things better for everyone. The surface water temperature was 67-degrees when I came in last evening and the water was still tea colored in Blackburns area and I could see my lure down about 2-feet. Yes, Blackburns still has one bedroom cabins for $59/day for two people and they are all individual with big covered porches and no duplexes and come with a free stall for your boat. We especially welcome Veterans and Police. The crappie spawn is in full swing and some bass are on beds. The White Bass are finished and coming up early mornings on top-water. Walleye are post-spawn feeding also and are with the White Bass. The big bluegill have moved in under Blackburns Dock.
