September 2019 Lake Levels and Flow Rates

Ah, the end of Summer, how bittersweet. While on the one hand Fall brings thoughts of winterizing boats, kids back in school, and piles of leaves, this time of year also brings some of the best boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, especially for those of us fortunate enough to live here year round. The main channel is calm and the sunsets are gorgeous.

It's been a remarkable year for the Lake as the effects of Spring rains are still being measured. Take a look at Septembers candlestick chart.

See those blue bars along the bottom? That is a steady flow rate more than twice the average for this time of year and with little rain, with the exception at the end of the month (causing the largest change in lake level in a single day for the month). Bagnell Dam continues to release vast quantities of water. The low flow of September 28th is the rare exception, and didn't last long.

Here's the detailed chart: 

It's clear from the annual summary below that while flow remains heavy, things are slowly returning to normal.