Flow Rates

One of the biggest changes in our new FERC License is how Entergy releases water from Remmel Dam into the Ouachita River. Under the FERC license, Entergy releases a minimum of 200 to 400 CFS continuously.

The monthly flow requirements are:

January & February – 300 CFS
March – 400 CFS
April – 350 CFS
May and December – 250 CFS
June through November – 200 CFS

This change will improve fish habitat in the river, which should improve recreational fishing. Also, this makes the river from Remmel Dam to Rockport floatable by canoe.

Lake Levels

For the benefit of lakefront property residents, Entergy has agreed to limit the amount of daily lake level fluctuations to 24 inches on Lake Catherine and 12 inches on Lake Hamilton and to consult with the AGFC on annual lake drawdowns.

Flow Releases for Recreation

For the benefit of whitewater enthusiasts, the license calls for “full generation flow” three hours each Saturday and Sunday afternoon Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. In addition, there will be up to four special releases annually to accommodate emergency training exercises and other education-oriented events.

Public Notification of Water Releases

To help people plan recreational activities on and around the lakes, both the Entergy Hydro Web site and the hydro information phone line (501-844-2148) will be updated on a regular basis to provide information on flow release plans. In addition, interested persons can subscribe to receive weekly e-mail notifications of flow release plans. To subscribe, go to the “Lakes and Flow News” link and follow the instructions.

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