Two lakes in Hot Springs will be filled gradually next month to their normal summertime levels.
Starting March 7, Entergy Arkansas crews will fill the lakes by approximately 6 inches per day. The lakes should be at their normal levels by March 15, which is around the time fish in the area start spawning, according to a news release from Entergy.
The lakes are routinely drawn down by 5 feet in November for inspection purposes and "to help control nuisance aquatic vegetation," the release states.
Bobby Pharr, manager of Entergy Arkansas hydro operations, said in a statement that lakefront property owners should be cautious while the lakes are being filled. Property owners are urged to prepare by "moving construction debris and other material from the lakebed to higher ground, securing boats to withstand higher water and returning floating docks to their permitted locations,” Pharr said.
The release states that floating debris may also increase during this time and throughout the spring as rainfall increases.