The Ouachita River below Blakely Dam from Lake Ouachita in Garland County, Arkansas. Farther south, utility companies are postponing recreational flows from Remmel Dam due to ongoing drought conditions. | Shutterstock photo
JONES MILL, Arkansas — Full-generation flows from Remmel Dam for recreation, along with all scheduled special releases, have been postponed until further notice, Entergy Arkansas announced on social media Tuesday, May 12.
The announcement affects paddlers, outfitters and recreational users of the Ouachita River south of Remmel Dam.
Postponing releases is due to ongoing severe to extreme drought. Entergy said it is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement a Drought Contingency Plan approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Current water levels, including Lake Ouachita, require increased conservation to support reservoir recovery and protect long-term river and lake resources, Entergy said.
Postponement of the releases mean no full-generation recreational flows on weekends that are typically scheduled Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additionally, all special whitewater and training releases are on hold
Normal scheduling will resume once drought conditions improve to moderate levels, or water levels recover.
“We recognize how important these releases are to paddlers and local recreation groups and appreciate your patience as we work to protect critical water resources,” Entergy noted in a statement.
Questions should be directed to shoreline@entergy.com.