In the 20th century, large sections of the White River were modified via dam construction to form a series of artificial reservoirs for the purpose of flood control, as well as hydroelectric power generation, water distribution and management, and recreation.

Downstream of Bull Shoals Dam, the White River returns to its natural riparian state as it heads southeast through the eastern Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

In 1910, Congress authorized construction of a hydroelectric dam on the White River by the newly formed Ozark Power and Water Company.

[9] Completed in 1913 at a cost of $2.3 million,[9] Powersite Dam near Forsyth, Missouri[10] confined a section of the White River to create Lake Taneycomo.

[14] It confines Table Rock Lake, the second largest on the White and a popular tourist destination as part of the Branson area.

[16] A number of trout fishing resorts lie on the tailwaters of Bull Shoals Lake and the North Fork River.