TULSA – The Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will release up to 15,000 cubic feet per second from Oologah Lake to remove downstream sediment, resulting in lower lake levels September 7 to September 11.

This release will support navigation on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System by removing a sediment shoal near the confluence of the Verdigris and Arkansas River, near Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Currently, Oologah Lake’s elevation is nearly two and a half feet above the normal elevation of 638 mean sea level. During the release, lake elevation could approach 636 msl by the end the day, September 11.

With a lower than normal predicted lake level, visitors to Oologah Lake should be aware of the following potential impacts:

• Boaters may expect more water hazards and exposed sand bars. Vessels equipped with a depth finder are strongly encouraged to closely monitor the water depth. Please keep your safety a primary concern and wear your lifejacket when on or near the water.

• Blue Creek Boat ramp may experience a temporary closure if the lake elevation reaches 636 msl.

• The Verdigris River Boat ramp located at the dam will be closed due to the high water flows.

Overall impacts are expected to be relatively minor and short in duration.

The last time the lake experienced a significantly lower than normal elevation was January 2013 when the elevation reached 633.66 msl.

A return to normal elevation of 638 msl will be contingent upon inflows and rainfall within the Oologah Lake watershed.

Oologah Lake is a multipurpose project for flood control, water supply, recreation, navigation, and fish and wildlife. The project was designed to provide maximum flood protection on the Lower Verdigris and Arkansas Rivers when operated in conjunction with the Arkansas River Basin System.