Update on Lake Hudson elevations

Following heavy rains in both the Arkansas River and Grand River Watersheds in recent days, the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is again reminding the public that lake elevations on both Grand and Hudson lakes are above normal.

Lake Hudson is expected to crest at an elevation of 633 feet later this week. It will then be held at that elevation for three days in order for GRDA to complete the second stage of a mandatory monitoring exercise, as requested by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Barring any further heavy rains or watershed inflows during the observation period, a drawdown to Lake Hudson’s normal elevation will commence following the exercise.

The testing is necessary for GRDA’s full authorization to operate Robert S. Kerr Dam, per a license from FERC.

Both Grand Lake and Lake Hudson are part of the Greater Arkansas River flood control system. During flood events, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages releases as required by Section 7 of the Flood Control Act of 1944.

The Grand River joins the Arkansas River and Verdigris River at “Three Forks” in Muskogee, Oklahoma. During periods of heavy and widespread rainfall across the region, USACE will coordinate water releases between reservoirs that feed into the Arkansas River to minimize downstream flooding.

GRDA will continue to provide updates on lake elevations and flood gate operations directed by USACE at Pensacola and Kerr Dams. Notices on floodgate operations will be posted on GRDA’s Facebook page, website and https://stormops.grda.tech/riveroperations.