Corps’ Vicksburg District Begins Lowering Water Level on Ouachita River

Vicksburg, Miss…The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District began lowering the water level on the Ouachita River on July 5 to inspect the Columbia Lock and Dam.  In an effort to ensure public safety, the Corps evaluated water depths at the seven boat ramps based on a 3’ fall. 

As a result, the seven boat ramps operated by the Corps within the Columbia Pool (Riverton, Prairion, Bawcomville, Moon Lake, Sterlington, Finch Bayou and Felsenthal South) will be closed at 12:00 on July 9.  The Riverton swim beach will be closed at 12:00 on July 10.  The areas will be closed to protect your safety and prevent possible damages to your boats.  Please do not move or go-around any of the barricades.  

Boaters are encouraged to use extreme caution when navigating the river.  Logs, snags, stumps and other debris will be exposed or become dislodged as water levels drop, creating hazardous boating conditions.  Reduced water depths will also increase the number of shallow sand bars.  Boaters are encouraged to reduce travel speed and be cautious of the increased risk of collisions with floating and/or submerged objects, especially during low light conditions.   

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the world's largest public engineering organization and has a firm commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment. The Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.