Drawdown set for lakes Hamilton, Catherine

HOT SPRINGS — Entergy Arkansas plans to lower lakes Hamilton and Catherine 3 feet this year as part of its annual drawdown. The drawdown is to begin Nov. 1, according to a utility email.

The size of the drawdown varies each winter, in part, to curb growth of nuisance vegetation. A vegetation management plan developed in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission usually calls for alternating 3-foot and 5-foot drawdowns.

The annual lowering of the lakes also is valuable to owners of shoreline facility, allowing them an opportunity to inspect and repair their structures and fortify the shoreline.

On Nov. 1, Entergy plans to start lowering the lakes by about 6 inches a day until the water level is 3 feet lower, the utility said.

The size of the lakes drawdown was determined based on a survey conducted by the Fisheries Department of the Game and Fish Commission and Entergy, according to the email.

Entergy has used drawdowns on Lake Hamilton since 1996 to help control the spread of certain underwater plants that interfere with recreation.

The utility’s email notes that “most seasoned residents and perhaps some new owners along the shorelines” are familiar with the rotation of 3-foot and 5-foot annual drawdowns. The winter drawdowns expose the lake to low temperatures and stunt regrowth of the vegetation the next spring and summer.

The lakes are multiuse and have to be managed to balance the needs of pleasure boaters and fishermen.