MINNEAPOLIS (April 27, 2011) — FLW Outdoors announced Wednesday that the upcoming FLW Tour event on Table Rock Lake has been canceled due to historic flooding in southwest Missouri. The tournament was originally slated for May 5-8. In regards to rescheduling the event, FLW Outdoors officials are exploring various options. Further details will be announced as they become available.
The water level at the Table Rock Dam is currently sitting at 935.4 feet, having surpassed the previous record high of 933 feet. Within the past four days, the lake has risen nearly 20 feet. Full pool is 915 feet. “Our foremost concern is the safety of the anglers,” said Kathy Fennel, president of FLW Outdoors Operations Division. “The high water levels and floating debris make boat operation hazardous. The decision to cancel was reached after multiple discussions with state and local officials, and we felt it was imperative to notify anglers before they began traveling to Branson.” “Given the current flood situation, we recommended FLW Outdoors call off the event,” said Capt. Gary Haupt with the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “The water level is currently more than 2 feet higher than our highest recorded level, and all lake access areas are closed. In conditions like this, the possibility of both personal and property damage is greatly increased. We’ve already revoked tournament permits through Sunday and are in the process of revoking permits through May 8. We applaud FLW Outdoors’ proactive decision.”