Permit and Address Dock Signage Requirements

Ameren Missouri requires that all docks and dock modifications post the permit number and street address on the structure. Look at around the lake and you'll see different types of signs of different sizes.  In short, the sign needs to be whatever size it needs to be to accommodate your specific information using 3" letters.  You don't need any official type of backboard as long as it contrasts the lettering, although you should be mindful that any material will be exposed to the elements and weathering.  Most people seem to be using white plastic panels available in the signage section at the local home supply store and simple black letters.  No evening lighting is required...yet.

Make sure you use your established 911 address as this information is used for the response from law enforcement and emergency personnel. The sign is to be mounted on the lake side of the dock in a location most visible from the cove or channel.

A No-Wake Lake Annual Weekend?

The experience over this past 4th of July holiday with the governor ordering no-wake enforcement on the entire lake, has generated a lot of talk around boating circles over the idea of making such a restriction an annual event.

It has it's appeal.

7:00pm July 3rd, 2015 8mm

I've paddled out to the main channel before but only in the off-season.  Although weekdays are far less busy, it is still too dangerous to go any more than a few feet from shore in a kayak, but not this evening.  I saw people on flotillas of water toys just enjoying the water and well beyond shore. While some boats were out, mostly obeying the wake restriction, the lake was serene and almost ghostly quiet. The tension in the air was as palpable as the humidity, between the pent up energy from thousands of holiday visitors, and the anxiety of the home and business owners worrying the wake restriction would be lifted too soon. Forbearance at odds with exuberance on a regional scale.

So, what about this idea of setting aside a weekend or two out of the season as lake wide "wake-free" time?  As I said, it has its appeal.  Pontoon boats ruled that evening as getting around at a decent speed wake free is what they do.  The steady buzz of wetbikes, the punctuating roar of racing engines, and the steady thrum of hundreds of boats struggling down the channel was conspicuous by its absence.  It was tranquil and serene.  What was there not too like?

Did it hurt business? I think the jury is still out on that one.  Certainly some folks may have changed their plans, but the weekend seemed to be as popular as ever.  By Saturday evening of the 4th, the serenity was long gone.

Could it be done?  Sure!  But it would take a concerted effort by all authorities involved to do it, and enforcement would be difficult.  The only real way to know if it would be successful or not economically would be to try it.  I would think maybe the weekend before the Memorial holiday, or the weekend after Labor Day would be a good pilot run.  The lake is still inviting at those times, but not quite as busy.  "No-Wake-Lake" weekends might be a great way to open and close the season.

Ghost Ship

In early April, 2015, after some intense stormy weather, this boat appeared off the point at Lazy Gators.

Pictures from Towboat U.S.

It seems amazing that a surface storm can churn the water so much, and at such depth, that things like this suddenly surface. Actually, it really doesn't take that much energy when submerged artifacts are right on the edge of being buoyant.  They effectively loll around the bottom until forces are sufficient to bring them to the surface long enough to be blown to shore.  This is how treasure is often discovered in the ocean right after hurricanes. This boat looks circa 80's judging by the motif. I bet the old owner is going to be surprised when he's told his boat has been found.

Flood Watch 2015 - The End

8am, July 4th.  Update- The no-wake restriction has been lifted.

Lake levels are now at 660.30', effectively on the high side of "normal". Discharge remains over 40,000cfs so the floodgates are still open.  Truman Dam has been holding water since this event started and with river levels dropping it's likely they will allow some badly needed release for Truman Lake.

My guess would be continued discharge above 40Kcfs to handle Truman's water but Lake levels should continue down very slowly for the rest of the day.  I'm also betting the governor will release the no-wake restriction by this afternoon.

The flood event is pretty much over as far as the Lake is concerned, but it's effects will likely linger the rest of the summer for some folks.  This is the last update I'll do on lake levels until the normal end of month review.

Everybody get ready to get back in the pool.

Flood Watch 2015 - HD Drone Video

This video has been making the rounds, a gut-wrenching bird's eye view. My guess is that this is from the Camdenton area where "gentle slope" property is more common.

The next video is from the suspension bridge that crosses the Grand Auglaize Creek southwest of Brumley. The bridge is near where the creek flows into the Lake of the Ozarks at the State Park.

Governor Nixon Declares the Entire Lake a No-Wake Zone

The entire Lake of the Ozarks is currently under a no-wake restriction. Not since 1993 (yeah, *that* year) has such an order been given.  With the lake cresting at nearly 663', the second highest ever, damage to surrounding property and shoreline would be incalculable if normal boat traffic was allowed while the lake remains high.

It appears that if Ameren can get the lake back around 661', which could be by Saturday at the rate it's going, the ban will be lifted.

2:30pm, July 3, 2015

Flood Watch 2015 - 8pm Update

8pm - Delayed from assessing my own damage.  Jeez what a mess.  Lake levels continue slowly down but the forecast looks decent enough, with some rain in the forecast but no downpours.  If discharge continues, we'll get below 662 by morning.