November 3 is the start of the annual lake drawdowns, which means this is the last reliable, predictible floating of the season for Rockport until recreational releases resume next Memorial Day (2013).
First, the official word from the Entergy newsletter:
What does this mean to paddlers? Here's my take and a few notes based on what we've seen in years past:October 29, 2012
There will only be a minimum flow release from Remmel Dam this week. Carpenter and Blakely will release every day or so as needed to maintain lake levels.
On Saturday, Nov. 3rd, the lake drawdown will begin. Remmel will release about 3,600 CFS from 6 AM to 6 PM. Carpenter Dam will release about 2,400 CFS from about 6 AM to 9 PM. There will be no release from Blakely.
On Sunday and continuing daily through Sunday, Nov. 11, Remmel will release about 3,600 CFS from about 11 AM to 10 PM and Carpenter will release about 2,400 CFS from about 6 AM to 9 PM. There will be no release from Blakely.
We will probably go back to minimum flow releases on Monday, November 12.
There will only be a minimum flow release from DeGray.
Disclaimer: This message was provided as a public service by Entergy Arkansas, Inc. There is no guarantee that actual releases or lake level projections will occur as described. We do our best to plan our operations and to accurately communicate those plans, however system conditions are subject to change at a moment's notice and we may not always be available to communicate those changes in a timely fashion.
1) You need to make every effort to get out there, great weather and the last guaranteed weekend water for a LONG time!
2) Those who can get off mid-week can continue to take advantage of releases through the rest of the week, but...
3) Don't gamble on going late in the week. The flows stop when the lakes reach desired levels, and history teaches us that this may occur sooner than what the newsletter says. Personally, I wouldn't even gamble on next weekend as a "sure thing", that's why I would encourage folks to take advantage of this weekend's great weather if you can.
4) With roll-over to winter weather patterns and end of daylight savings times, even when Remmel does run it may not be during daylight hours. Don't gamble on being able to catch floats later this year!
Hope to see many of you there, enjoy!
