After weeks of conserving water during severe drought conditions, Entergy Arkansas has resumed normal weekend recreational releases from Remmel Dam, reopening one of Arkansas’s favorite summertime traditions.
The company temporarily reduced recreational releases as part of its drought contingency plan to preserve water in Lake Ouachita, which serves as the fuel source for Entergy’s hydroelectric system.
“The conservation measures that we’ve taken lately have allowed Lake Ouachita to get back up above its daily target, which allows us to get back to our normal generation flow scheduling,” said Blake Hogue, Entergy Arkansas lakes manager.
While the improved lake levels are encouraging, Hogue emphasized the region remains in severe drought.
“As far as the drought situation goes, we are not out of the woods just yet,” he said. “We’ve only gotten about three inches of rain in the last month. It would take about eight inches of rain in a month to get back to a moderate level of drought.”
As temperatures climb across Arkansas, the cool waters of the middle Ouachita River once again provide the perfect escape for visitors looking to beat the summer heat.
“We love seeing all of the people who come out and enjoy our river, having a good time with their families,” Hogue said. “It’s a great resource that this dam and the hydro system that we operate on the Ouachita River helps provide for the public of Arkansas.”
To make the most of this fun activity, here are some helpful and important things to know.
Recreational releases
Weekend recreational releases generally take place between noon and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with at least three hours of scheduled flow each day.
For the best experience, plan to launch no later than about 3 p.m. Waiting too late could leave you walking portions of the river after releases end around 5 p.m.
Occasionally, release schedules may change because of weather or operational needs. Visitors should check the Life on the Lakes Facebook page for the latest updates before heading to the river.
Put-in and take-out locations
The put-in location is the public boat ramp near Remmel Dam at 170 Remmel Dam Road in Malvern. Visitors should enter through the gate located just past the Remmel Dam operations entrance. The gate closes nightly at 10 p.m.
The float ends at the Ouachita River Whitewater Park, located at 904 Riverview Drive in Malvern. Although the two locations are only about 15 minutes apart by vehicle, paddlers should plan ahead by parking one vehicle at the take-out location or arranging a shuttle service before launching.
Visitors should avoid parking in areas marked with red paint near the dam, as those locations are reserved for emergency access and unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
What to expect
The float typically takes three to four hours, depending on river conditions and how often paddlers stop along the way.
Several gravel bars provide opportunities to rest or enjoy lunch, but visitors should avoid stopping on posted private property.
The middle of the river generally provides the fastest current, while trees, logs and brush along the banks can create obstacles for tubes and other watercraft. Bringing a paddle is recommended, even for those floating in tubes.
Water depths vary throughout the route, making life jackets strongly recommended for children and inexperienced swimmers.
As paddlers approach Interstate 30, they should begin moving toward the left side of the river to reach the Whitewater Park take-out location safely.
What to bring
Visitors should bring durable non-motorized watercraft, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water shoes, plenty of drinking water and snacks. Life jackets are recommended and anyone bringing coolers or other supplies is encouraged to pack out all trash and help keep the Ouachita River clean.
With recreational releases back in full swing, Entergy employees look forward to seeing families return to the river while continuing to provide affordable power to customers and responsibly manage one of Arkansas’s most valuable natural resources.
