Ohio River Low Water Conditions

Due to near- or below-normal precipitation anticipated in September, the middle and lower Ohio Valley is forecasted to develop low water conditions from most of Ohio and Indiana southwestward to the Ohio/Mississippi Rivers' confluence.

Current Status

Beginning on August 15, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) Water Management team has been conducting low flow operations to minimize impacts felt by flow fluctuations along the Ohio River exacerbated by the low flow/drought conditions, and balance conditions along the Lower Ohio River as they pertain to navigation and hydropower demands. 

UPDATE: The remnants of Hurricane Francine are forecast to move into the Ohio and Mississippi confluence region by the weekend bringing widespread rain from southern Illinois/Indiana southward across the western half of Kentucky/Tennessee. The hydrologic response in the river is expected to be muted due to dry soil moisture conditions. No significant increase and or sustained increase in stage is expected at Cairo as much of the Ohio Valley remains in drought conditions and Upper Mississippi Valley flows continue to trend downward.

Actions

Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has routine contracted dredging operations underway from Ohio River Mile 969 downstream to Olmsted Locks and Dam which are expected to continue until September 18. At that time, Louisville District will assess and determine where next to employ dredging based upon low flow conditions.

Currently, there have been no state requests for Public Law 84-99 drought assistance and no drought related Coast Guard navigation restrictions along the Ohio River.

Stay Updated

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