Based on a request from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved a temporary deviation to Lake Red Rock’s authorized water control plan which will result in the lake being held at fall levels from December 15, 2017 through February 28, 2018.

Lake Red Rock’s current water control plan allows for, at the request of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, a 2-foot fall pool raise beginning in September and extending through December 15 to enhance waterfowl food supply and shore bird habitat along the shoreline and upper portions of the reservoir. The fall lake raise is typically maintained until ice begins to form on the lake and then levels are dropped back to the normal conservation pool level of 742 feet throughout the winter months.

Transitioning the reservoir from fall pool to normal conservation levels typically takes several days, depending on how fast ice is forming on the reservoir. The lowering of the lake during this time of year has the potential to impact species of concern. Releasing the fall pool raise at time of ice out, or March 1, coincides with naturally increasing river levels in the spring and could be beneficial to early spawning fish. The approved deviation has been coordinated with state and federal resource agencies involved with the reservoir, as well as the private developer constructing the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project.

For more information on Lake Red Rock’s water control plan, contact the reservoir staff at 641-828-7522 or visit: http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/Master-Plan/.