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NORFORK LAKE HIGH WATER
EVENT
March 2008 brought record rainfall to North
Central Arkansas. The total rainfall for the month was in excess of 24
inches. Norfork Lake did its job as a US Army Corps of Engineers flood
control reservoir by capturing much of the area water runoff. Because of
Norfork Lake, flooding on the rivers below the Norfork Dam was far less
than you might expect.
A new lake level record of 581.7 feet above
mean sea level was set by this event. As of April 29th, the lake
level is one foot from the top of the dam spillway and is receding slowly.
IS NORFORK LAKE OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE?
The lake is open and ready to be enjoyed.
Access to the lake is similar to what those of you who have visited in the
past know it to be. The lake is just much larger.
CAN I LAUNCH MY BOAT?
While most launch ramps are temporarily
under water, the members of the Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce have been
working hard to maintain alternate launch capabilities conveniently located
thought out the area. For the most current information, contact your
favorite chamber member.
ARE THE MARINAS OPEN AND FUNCTIONING?
The member marinas have done a wonderful
job of maintaining their high level of access and service throughout the
high water event. All continue to offer fuel, boat rentals, overnight boat
stalls, snacks, ice, and etc.
ARE THE RESORTS OPEN?
All member resorts are open and operating
in a “business as usual” mode. Because of their elevation above the normal
lakeshore, the high water event has not affected any Norfork Lake resorts.
All have maintained access to the lake, their docks, and can assist you
with boat launching locations.
ARE THE CAMPGROUNDS OPEN?
Yes, but with certain limitations. As of
April 29th, about 200 campsites are open with varying services
around the lake. As the waters recede additional campsites are becoming
available in numbers. Check with your favorite chamber marina or the local
Corps of Engineers office for current access and availability information.
All Chamber member RV parks are open and fully functional.
ARE THE AREA ROADS PASSABLE?
The high water event did not affect any
main Norfork Lake area roads. Access roads to all chamber members were also
not affected.
HOW’S THE FISHING?
Fishing was slow for the first week after
the rains. It has since picked up to normal springtime levels. For up to
date information, check the current fishing reports published on the web by
101 Grocery and Bait or
Steve Street of Blackburn’s Resort, or
with your favorite chamber member. The bite is on!
I HEARD THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE LAKE. IS
THIS TRUE?
It was true, but the debris, which was made
up of tree logs, limbs, and branches has since washed over the dam or has
been deposited higher on the shoreline by the receding waters. As with any
lake, there is always the chance of something floating and it is best to
keep a watchful eye out.
IS THE DAM SAFE?
Absolutely! The Corps of Engineers reports
no concern regarding the safety and integrity of Norfork Dam. As a gravity
type dam, Norfork Dam was engineered and constructed for the exact purpose
it is serving now.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT FROM BEFORE
THE HIGH WATER EVENT HAPPENED?
Really not much
except Norfork Lake is bigger and better. You might find modified access
and approaches to some marinas and resort boat docks, but that is about it.
As the lake level recedes, the same great features that you have enjoyed
and that Norfork Lake is nationally famous for will reappear, better than
ever. |
