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Release from Broken Bow Lake Spillway scheduled

A release from the Broken Bow Lake spillway is scheduled to take place from Jan. 12-20, according to state Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard. The release will allow for the continued reduction in the lake level.

“The Broken Bow Lake is currently five feet above the normal level, which can cause a number of issues if the levels are not decreased,” Burns said. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working together with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to make sure the reduction is made in a safe manner with little impact on the community.”

While water levels are being reduced, the Broken Bow Powerhouse will also be conducting routine inspections and scheduled maintenance. The tentative release plan is as follows:

Spillway gate change 1: Jan. 12 – Increase the release from 110 cubic feet/second (CFS) to 1,400 CFS.
Spillway gate change 2: Jan. 13 – Increase release from 1,400 CFS to 2,600 CFS
Spillway gate change 3: Jan. 13 – Three hours after initial release, increase from 2,600 CFS to 3,700 CFS.

All combined structures that make up the flood control operations are currently working as designed with no issues or concerns, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“While the release is taking place, there may be swiftwater conditions within the Beavers Bend State Park, especially downstream from the lake,” Burns said. “Please take the precautions necessary to keep your families safe and stay away from the area if you can.”