Dock Winterization at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Dock Winterization for the Annual Drawdown

Every winter, Ameren Missouri lowers Lake of the Ozarks roughly 6 feet — from 660 ft to about 654 ft elevation — as part of normal dam operations. The drawdown affects every dock on the lake. Cables tighten as the dock follows the water down, electrical needs to be safely disconnected, water lines need to drain, and flotation needs to be inspected before ice season begins.

A proper winterization includes cable adjustment for low water, electrical disconnection and weatherproofing, water line drainage and blowout, deicer installation or function check, flotation inspection, and a structural review to flag any repairs that should be tackled during the drawdown when components are accessible.

Spring Commissioning

Spring commissioning typically happens in March, before the lake refills to summer pool. We re-tension cables, restore electrical service, restart water supply, pull deicers, and verify lift function before your first weekend on the water. Both seasons book up early — schedule your winterization before October and your spring commissioning before March.