Although any flood impacts horrifically on those whom it hits, it is important to remember that the recent record breaking flooding, associated with the Branson area, had minimal, if any affect, on Branson’s, attractions, shows, shopping, restaurants, etc. In fact, for most tourists, except for the added attraction of the flood gates on the Table Rock Dam Spillway being open, the flooding was a nonevent.
Reports of flooding in Branson that go beyond the local area generally involve localized areas on the banks of, or adjacent to, Lake Taneycomo. Lake Taneycomo’s waters, in reality the White River, flow through or over Table Rock Lake Dam and are controlled by the amount of water released through its turbines or its flood gates.
Even while the flooding was at its record breaking height, the vast majority of visitors to Branson went to attractions, shows, restaurants, and shopped, and, except for the reports in the paper and on T.V., didn’t even know that some were having a problem with flooding. The only impact on a major Branson attraction was the fact that some restaurants at Branson Landing had to close for a couple of days until they raised the level of their propane tanks and that the fire and water show in the Town Square was cancelled. Even then however, the retail shopping at the Landing was not affected. All the propane tanks have been raised to further minimize the impact of future flooding on the Landings restaurant operations.
In terms of what the normal tourist expects, from historic downtown Branson to Silver Dollar City, the record breaking post Table Rock Dam flooding had no effect on the operations of any business, restaurant, show, attraction, shopping, or the Branson Convention Center. Silver Dollar City was opened for Worldfest, and every other Branson attraction, from the Butterfly Palace to the Titanic and Dixie Stampede as well as shows, and retail shopping, restaurants etc. operated normally without regard to the localized flooding that was taking place elsewhere.
That said however, it should be noted that the record breaking levels of Table Rock Lake has impacted the US Army Corps of Engineers camp grounds, access ramps, and Moon Shine Beach. Those predicating a trip on using those facilities are advised to call the Corps at (417) 334-4101 to ensure availability. Although there are some challenges posed by the high water, in terms of adjusting docks etc., the vast majority of the resorts on Table Rock Lake are opened for business as usual.
The bottom line for the typical Branson visitor is that reports of flooding in “Branson” should be a non event in determining whether or not to make a trip to Branson and what they do while in Branson. The only “flooding” the typical tourist has to worry about is the fun and entertainment that floods Branson every day.
