Lake Level Bottoms

It appears the Lake Level has bottomed and is trending upward as warm weather and rain enter the forecast for this week. This is much welcomed as the lake has been at a very low level recently. At the beginning of the month the Lake a new low of 654.63 and has risen slowly since. The level is currently at 655. The low water level has caused the Bagnell Dam to operate at a minimum generation until the level rises. The low levels and minum generation would indicate Ameren is in no rush to hit the guide curve recommendation of 654.0 by the end of March, before raising it gradually back to 657 by mid-April and finally at 659.5 by Memorial Day Weekend. The surface water temperature measured at Bagnell Dam is a cool 41F, but local fishermen are reporting temperatures in the mid to high 40s on the main lake which is right about where it should be for this time of year. .