Jeanne and I have been following the spring, 2008 weather around the country and hope you each are safe and not faced with any major storm related trials and tribulations. I want to report on the Branson area situation, especially impact for RVing. Our Southwest Missouri area received around 25 inches of rain over the last 4-6 weeks. Tornado and wind damage around Branson thankfully was negligible. Three consecutive days of 2-3 inches of rain last week was more than the land and water control systems could manage. The most notable outcome was Table Rock Lake going to an all time high water level and the Army Corp of Engineers opening Table Rock Dam for the first time in over 40 years. The dam was opened on Thursday, April 10 and will remain open until Tuesday, April 15th.
The dam opening caused flooding along the banks of Lake Taneycomo. Homes and businesses near low shores have been affected. A number of RV campgrounds (Turkey Creek Escapees Park for example) and many businesses have temporally closed. Branson Landing is partially closed, with most businesses on the lake side closed until the waters recede. If your plans are to visit here in the next few weeks I recommend you call your destination to check on conditions.
Jeanne and I are high up near Inspiration Point with the biggest concern being erosion on the hilly terrain and roads around us. We had a small area of damp carpet in a corner of the house lower level and minor seepage in the coach barn. I have posted a couple of pictures of Table Rock Dam at our Blog (see address below, click on individual pictures to see a full screen view). That sight has not been seen in 45 years . . . when will it happen next?
