The Army Corps of Engineers is warning the public living in close proximity to the Arkansas River to stay aware of river flow levels. The river is anticipated to exceed the levels that occurred during the May 1990 flood event due to heavy rainfall in Oklahoma.
A small craft advisory has been in effect since April 14 as a precaution against strong winds and large debris that can threaten the safety of those on the water. Small Craft Advisories are issued when flows exceed 70,000 cubic feet per second.
Below is a list of current flows at local dams:
- Trimble Lock and Dam: 170,000 cubic feet per second. Expected to peak at 530,00.
- Dardanelle Lock and Dam at Russellville: 170,000 cubic feet per second. Expected to peak at 500,000.
- Toad Suck Lock and Dam at Conway: 165,000 cubic feet per second. Expected to peak at 485,000.
- Murray Lock and Dam at Little Rock: 175,000 cubic feet per second. Expected to peak at 475,000.
- Flows at Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam at Pine Bluff: 174,000 cubic feet per second. Expected to peak at 450,000.
The National Weather Service says those along the Arkansas River should be monitoring the levels in case they need to make decisions about moving livestock and property to higher ground.