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: Continuing drought will likely bring Cairo stages down sharply on September 22 to below 7 feet. LRD Water Management will continue modeling conditions daily to provide forecasts at Cario.

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 October 4. Upon completion, all dredging activities below Olmsted are anticipated to be fully addressed for the season and prepared to bring back if necessary.

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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