Skip to main content

Drawdown of Johnson Lake planned this fall

Visitors to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will notice the lowering of the lake level this fall. The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District will lower it in preparation of an outage at the Johnson No. 1 hydroplant.

The drawdown of about 13 feet is scheduled to begin around Oct. 26. The outage at the hydroplant is tentatively scheduled from Nov. 6-16.

Inspections of structures at the lake will take place during the drawdown. The reservoir south of Lexington will fill during the hydroplant outage and should return to normal water operation elevations by the end of November. 

Drawdown plans are subject to change, depending on river flows and rains.

For more information, visit cnppid.com.


About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

Related Articles

Boat ramp improvements made at Merritt Reservoir

Sep 3, 2025

Boat ramp improvements made at Merritt Reservoir

There will be a closure at Beed’s Landing for concrete work; repairs finished at Powder Horn ramp.

Read More
20th Missouri River Outdoor Expo is Sept. 20-21

Sep 3, 2025

20th Missouri River Outdoor Expo is Sept. 20-21

A weekend of family entertainment awaits at the 20th anniversary of the event at Ponca State Park.

Read More
Lewis and Clark SRA’s Weigand Marina to close for construction

Sep 3, 2025

Lewis and Clark SRA’s Weigand Marina to close for construction

Closure beginning Sept. 11 to allow for the start of a multimillion-dollar marina upgrade project.

Read More