While record-setting rainfall totals in May are driving up Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes, officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say both lakes have plenty of storage left to help control flooding on the White River system.KTLO, Classic Hits & The Boot, the official reporting station in Mountain Home for the National Weather Service, recorded 4.87 inches of rain – including a record-setting total of 3.95 inches on Saturday – during a four-day period ending Monday morning. The seven-day total stands at 6.55 inches, while the month of May is at 9.36, with almost two weeks to go, which already makes it the 10th wettest May in Mountain Home history.In 2017, Bull Shoals Lake topped out at a high-water mark of 693. Bull Shoals is the largest of the lakes in the White River flood control system and can hold up to 695 feet before reaching the top of flood pool.
Mark Case, project manager of the Corps’ Mountain Home office, says the high water levels are becoming somewhat normal.
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While some may express concern that only 2 feet remains until reaching the top of the flood pool, Case explains the way the lake system works, isn’t as simple as it may appear.
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In fact, once all of the current rainfall settles into the lake, it still won’t reach capacity.
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The Corps has used some spillway releases in recent weeks to augment generation, but widespread releases will not be necessary, unless the level reaches the top of flood pool, Case explains.
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The Twin Lakes Area and the White River in general will remain at the mercy of mother nature as summer draws near.
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Here are links to monitor lake levels at Bull Shoals and Norfork.
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