New Theory Explains Why Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks ‘Dangerous’

I've always been curious why Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is constantly referred to as one of America's most 'dangerous' lakes when it's such an easy going place. The numbers back up that the danger is real and a new theory may explain why.

I came across this recent article by Explore which I would highly recommend you read as it has some interesting thoughts and insights about why Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks really is a dangerous place. According to them, there isn't just one reason, but a multitude that create a perfect storm of problems.

They say that since Lake of the Ozarks is a man-made lake, it has some unnatural connections and what they refer to as blind intersection. If you look at a satellite map, you can see there are hundreds of places where a small inlet/outlet of Lake of the Ozarks connects to the main part of the lake.

You have so many people on watercraft that enter and leave these small crooks and crannies that there is almost a constant danger of collision.

One other interesting point they bring up involves that various speeds that people travel on the lake. Some might be cruising along at 5 knots while another is travelling 88. Combine that with blind intersections and you have potential for accidents and tragedies which happen there way too frequently.

Finally, there is a perceived drinking culture at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks which leads to distracted dangerous vehicle management resulting in injuries and deaths.

Lake of the Ozarks is the most popular waterway in Missouri for a very good reason. It's also sadly a location where a perfect storm of variables and situations keep that "dangerous" label applied to it and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.