Lake Level Reports

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Harry S. Truman & Bagnell Dam Daily Report

Daily reports on water levels, discharge data, and flow data.

Lake Ozark Guide Curve

A series of target elevations for each day over the course of a given year.

Osage Headwater & Tailwater Readings

Hourly head level, tail level, and discharge in cubic feet per second. 
Lake Level Forecast

1/30/2026 8:44 AM

Current Lake level is 655.1
River Level is 554.5
Surface Water Temp is 43
HST Lake Level is 705.3
  Today Tomorrow Day 3
Forecasted Releases (cfs) 6,200 900 900
Forecasted Lake Level 655.0 655.0 655.0

 
 
 

Discussion

Short periods of generation expected over the next 2 days to keep a little more water flowing in the Osage river. Minimum flow expected during the rest of the day.

The annual winter drawdown of the Lake of the Ozarks is underway (or will begin soon). Dock owners on the lake should make provision for levels down to 651' and icing conditions. The current projection is that the lake will drop to approximately 654' by mid-Feb depending on weather conditions and power needs.

Dock owners along the Osage River should also be aware that water releases from the dam for power generation can occur at any time. When icing on the river occurs, docks can be damaged when rising river levels break up the ice. Ameren recommends that docks be pulled up on shore to avoid damage in the winter.

Safety Information

Ameren personnel conduct daily inspections of the dam to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and the structure remains sound. A specialized team of engineers perform quarterly inspections and the dam receives an annual inspection by the federal government.

Warning Siren

A warning system is in place to alert residents and visitors of emergencies at Bagnell Dam. The alert will be a distinct tone followed by voice instructions. If you are downstream of Bagnell Dam and hear the sirens, seek higher ground immediately. A dam failure would increase water debris current and the amount of drift on the Lake. Swimmers and boaters near the dam who notice these conditions should move to shore immediately. Sirens are tested at noon on the first Wednesday of the month and state “this is a test.”