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MARK TWAIN LAKE, MO. -- The following is a press release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

The Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake Project is open for your enjoyment.  Project employees are monitoring rising lake levels due to recent large amounts of precipitation in the watershed. Major launch facilities and campgrounds are open although some areas such as the John Spalding and Indian Creek beaches are closed temporarily as well as some smaller access areas.  These include the Joanna and Lick Creek Trails and Hunter-Fisherman Access Numbers 11 (Rt N), 20 (Hwy. FF), 30 (Rt U), 41 (Elk Fork), 53, and the Duane Wheelan Recreation Area. 

The crest prediction as of Wednesday afternoon is 628.5 NGVD on Saturday, July 24 with no additional precipitation.  Normal pool elevation is 606 NGVD and for comparison the record lake elevation was set on July 30, 2008 at 640.36 NGVD.  High water launch lanes are being opened at Robert Allen, Stoutsville, Indian Creek and the John Spalding Recreation Areas.  You will find floating and submerged debris on the lake as the water rises so please be cautious, drive slowly and wear a life jacket.

To check daily lake levels go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, River & Reservoir Daily Report on the web at http://mvs-wc.mvs.usace.army.mil/dresriv.html.  You may also contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at (573) 735-4097, email MarkTwainInfo@usace.army.mil or stop at the office located north of Cannon Dam, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Click here to read the original press release.