SEMA News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2010
Village of Big Lake evacuated, Big Lake State Park closed due to flooding in northwest Missouri
Moves are precautionary after levee breach upstream that will lead to additional flooding in Big Lake Village area
Moves are precautionary after levee breach upstream that will lead to additional flooding in Big Lake Village area
Village of Big Lake evacuated, Big Lake State Park closed due to flooding in northwest Missouri Moves are precautionary after levee breach upstream that will lead to additional flooding in Big Lake Village area
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Village of Big Lake in northwest Missouri is being evacuated and Big Lake State Park is being closed due to the potential for flooding as a result of the breach of a levee upstream in Holt County. Both actions are precautionary measures.
A 150-200 foot section of a levee along the Missouri River, south of the confluence of the Missouri and the Tarkio River, was breached this morning, southwest of Craig, Missouri. The Tarkio River is also known as the "Big Tarkio.”
As a result, Big Lake State Park near Craig in Holt County has been closed because of potential flooding. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources closed the park's campground earlier this week because of the possibility of high water. The decision to close the entire park came after the levee was compromised today.
The areas affected by the closing in addition to the campground include the day-use area and the cabins and motel. Campers and lodging guests have been instructed to leave the park. Future campers and lodging guests are being notified.
Big Lake is a 407-acre park located on a natural oxbow lake near the Missouri River. The park is located about 45 miles northwest of St. Joseph.
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release 10,000 sandbags to Holt County.
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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov