Paddlers hoping to catch scheduled whitewater and recreational releases on the Ouachita River this summer may have to wait for wetter conditions. Entergy Arkansas announced that full-generation recreational flows from Remmel Dam, along with all scheduled special releases, are postponed until further notice because of ongoing drought conditions across central Arkansas.
The decision affects the popular summer water releases below the dam that typically attract kayakers, canoeists, rafters, and river recreation groups between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
According to Entergy Arkansas, the postponement is part of the company’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-approved Drought Contingency Plan, developed in coordination with multiple federal, state, and local agencies to conserve water resources during periods of severe drought and protect long-term lake and river health.
A Popular Arkansas Summer Float
The stretch of the Ouachita River below Remmel Dam is one of Arkansas’s most popular summer paddling destinations. The float from Remmel Dam to the Rockport Ledge offers cold, clear water even during the hottest months of the year because the river is fed by releases from deep within Lake Catherine and upstream reservoirs.
The approximately 5-mile route is renowned for its easy paddling conditions during normal power generation schedules and attracts recreational kayakers, canoeists, anglers, tubers, and paddleboarders throughout the summer. Many paddlers take out at the Rockport Ledge near Malvern, making it a favorite day trip for Central Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts. During scheduled full-generation releases, the river typically features faster current and more dynamic paddling conditions that are especially popular with whitewater kayakers and training groups.
Local outfitters and recreation groups have long relied on the predictable summer release schedule to plan trips, training sessions, and events along the river corridor. Read about our float with friends from Remmel Dam to Rockport in 2023.
What River Users Can Expect
Under the current drought response measures:
- Weekend full-generation recreational flows are suspended
- Special whitewater and training releases are postponed
- Releases will not resume until drought conditions improve or reservoir levels recover
For many Arkansas paddlers, the scheduled releases below Remmel Dam provide one of the few dependable summer opportunities for moving water recreation in the region. The postponement will likely impact outfitters, paddling clubs, and outdoor recreation groups that rely on the flows during the hottest months of the year.
Drought Conditions Driving the Decision
According to Blake Hogue, Lakes Manager for Lakes Hamilton and Catherine and the Carpenter and Remmel dams, several key indicators triggered the implementation of the drought contingency measures.
One of the primary concerns is the ongoing drought reflected in the Palmer Drought Index for Central Arkansas, which currently indicates severe to extreme drought conditions. Another major factor is the level of Lake Ouachita, which is currently about 2.5 feet below its target elevation for this time of year.
Hogue explained that the region would need substantial rainfall across the Lake Ouachita watershed to restore levels before the typically drier months between June and October.
Hydropower generation at Blakely Mountain Dam, along with Carpenter and Remmel dams, has already been minimized for several months in an effort to conserve water. Current operations are focused on maintaining lake levels on Lakes Hamilton and Catherine and meeting minimum downstream flow requirements required under Entergy’s federal license.
Hogue also noted that conserving water is important for the region’s power grid during periods of heavy electricity demand.
“We must also conserve water for emergent generation needs,” Hogue said. “Our dispatchers sometimes need all the generation they can get, particularly in the summertime when electricity demands are high.”
By postponing the recreational and special releases, Entergy can retain additional water in Lake Ouachita that would otherwise be used to support those scheduled flows while also preserving hydropower capacity when emergency electrical generation is needed.
Agencies Involved in the Decision
Hogue said the decision was not made by Entergy alone. The company consulted with numerous agencies and local governments as required under the drought contingency plan.
“Entergy worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, National Weather Service, city leaders of Hot Springs and Malvern, and several other federal, state, and local agencies to help make this decision,” Hogue said. “Agency consultation is required by our Drought Contingency Plan we are implementing.”
The collaboration reflects the broader impact prolonged drought conditions can have on recreation, hydropower generation, fisheries, municipal water resources, and lake management throughout the Ouachita River basin.
Waiting on Rain
Entergy officials say they are monitoring both drought severity and lake levels before making any decision about restarting recreational releases.
Specifically, they are looking for drought conditions to improve from “Severe” or “Extreme” classifications to at least “Moderate,” while also hoping Lake Ouachita levels recover above seasonal targets.
For now, paddlers hoping for summer releases on the Ouachita River will be watching the weather as closely as anyone.
“We hope that happens in time for paddlers to enjoy the river when it gets real hot outside,” Hogue said. “But we need a lot of rain for that.”
The best way to keep up with all releases is by subscribing to the Entergy Hydro News Emails. You can also get the latest news on their Facebook Page.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
