| Table Rock Lake | |
| Location: | Missouri / Arkansas |
| Coords: | 36.5667°N -93.3°W |
| Type: | reservoir |
| Inflow: | White River, James River, Kings River |
| Outflow: | White River |
| Basin Countries: | United States |
| Shore: | Flood pool: Normal pool: |
| Pushpin Map: | Missouri#USA |
| Cities: | Branson, Missouri • Shell Knob, Missouri • Cape Fair, Missouri • Hollister, Missouri |
Table Rock Lake is an artificial lake or reservoir in the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas in the United States. Designed, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is impounded by Table Rock Dam (located 36.5954°N -93.3111°W), which was constructed from 1954 to 1958 on the White River.[1]
The lake is a popular attraction for the city of Branson, Missouri, and the nearby town of Shell Knob, Missouri. There are several commercial marinas along the lake, and Table Rock State Park is located on the east side, both north and south of Table Rock Dam. Downstream from the dam, the Missouri Department of Conservation operates a fish hatchery, which is used to stock trout in Lake Taneycomo, which begins immediately downstream from the Table Rock Dam. The cold water discharged from the dam creates a trout fishing environment in the lake.
The lake derives its name from a rock formation resembling a table at the small community of Table Rock, Missouri, on Highway 165 about a mile and a half downstream from where the dam was built.[2]
The lake area temperature varies according to season:[3]
Dam and Outlet Measurements[4]
Dam elevations above mean sea level
Lake elevations above mean sea level
Surface area of lake
Maximum storage capacity
Shoreline length
Other
Power generating data
The original purpose of the reservoir was flood control on the White River, receiving congressional authorization under the Flood Control Act of 1941.[5] Table Rock Dam, constructed from 1954 to 1958 at a cost of $65 million, confines Table Rock Lake and generates hydroelectric power. The reservoir has a fluctuation of 16feet. When the reservoir is above the maximum flood pool, excess water goes over the auxiliary overflow spillway at the north end of the dam.
Table Rock Dam’s spillway capacity was evaluated as a result of a dam safety program in the 1990s. Using improved weather data and more modern technology and safety requirements, engineers determined that the lake would rise ten feet higher during the worst-case flood than previously calculated. An event of this magnitude would overtop the earthen embankment and destroy Table Rock Dam with catastrophic losses in downstream areas, including Branson. After considering several options and gathering considerable public input, an auxiliary spillway was determined to be the best solution. The auxiliary spillway was completed in 2005 at a cost of approximately $65,000,000.[6]
Summary of projections:
Table Rock Lake has a record crest of 935.47 feet, which occurred on April 27, 2011.
In December 2015, the dam released 72,001 CFS at its peak. This is the highest amount ever released.[7]
Sixteen public campgrounds are located around Table Rock Lake. Campgrounds are managed by several different agencies and campsites range from full-hookup to non-electric tent sites For details about each of the US Army Corps of Engineers parks, check out Recreation.gov.
The US Army Corps of Engineers Dewey Short Visitor Center is located 6 miles west of US Hwy 65 on Missouri State Hwy 165 at the south end of Table Rock Dam.
The visitor center has exhibits about the White River Watershed, local habitats, Table Rock Dam, and the US Army Corps of Engineers as well as several interactive exhibits including maps, power generation and water safety. It also features an overlook which allows visitors to view Table Rock Lake, the dam, and Lake Taneycomo from one viewing deck. The center shows a 20 minute film entitled, "Taming of the Riviera Blanche". This film is an introduction to the Table Rock Lake/White River area and details the construction and purpose of Table Rock Dam.
The visitor center features a public-use dock, picnic areas, fishing, a lakeshore trail.
Table Rock State Park provides public access to the lake. Six miles from Branson and located just south of the dam and outlet, facilities include a boat launch and full service marina (including cafe, boat rental and scuba dive shop), campground (including full RV hookups and a yurt), fishing access, swimming access (no beach), picnic area, amphitheater, hiking and mountain bike trails, and dump station.[8]