Warsaw, Missouri -- Recent rains have increased Harry S. Truman Lake’s water elevation causing closure of Corps of Engineers facilities due to flooding throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Campground closures include Long Shoal, Bucksaw, Berry Bend South, Berry Bend Equestrian, Talley Bend, Sparrowfoot and Osage Bluff. Camping reservations that are cancelled due to flood closures will be fully refunded. Thibaut Point campground remains partially open at this time. For information on camping reservations, call the reservation hotline at 877-444-6777.
Boat ramps open at this time are Sparrowfoot, Berry Bend High Water Ramp and Shawnee Bend High Water Ramp. All other Corps ramps are closed. Cooper Creek ATV Area and Corps swimming beaches will remain closed until further notice. Please be aware that additional closures may be necessary over the holiday weekend.
As conditions change, the Corps of Engineers will continue to monitor and assess the need for releases from Harry S. Truman Dam and plan to host a public meeting in the coming week regarding those operations.
“Protecting lives is our number one priority,” said Col. Doug Guttormsen, Kansas City District Commander. “We’ve been holding a lot of water behind our reservoirs. However, as localized rainfall continues and the flood storage capacity fills up, our team will individually assess each reservoir in our region, along with the projected weather forecast, to determine if and when water releases will be made.”
The Kansas City District would like to remind the public to wear a lifejacket while on or near the water. Be vigilant of the safety risks associated with high water such as floating debris or obstructions covered by high water which can create dangerous boating conditions. Expect the unexpected and be prepared. Do not drive or walk into flood waters on the road. Any time you come to a flooded road please turn around, don't drown! Never enter standing or moving water to cross a road.
For information regarding individual marinas or Harry S. Truman State Park, contact them directly for availability updates.
For more information regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Harry S. Truman Lake contact us at (660) 438-7317 ext. 1.