JASPER, Texas -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ representatives at Sam Rayburn Reservoir announce that current high lake levels have resulted in additional facility closures at Sam Rayburn Reservoir related to recent rainfall events. At this time, boat ramps are closed at Hanks Creek Campground, Hanks Creek Day Use Area, Twin Dikes Park, Mill Creek Park, Rayburn Park, San Augustine Park, Marion Ferry Park, Monterey Park, and Etoile Park. Hanks Creek Park, Mill Creek Park, and San Augustine Park are also closed for camping. Currently, the only open U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s managed boat ramps are located at Ralph McAlister Park and Twin Dikes Public (near Umphrey’s Family Pavilion). Additional facilities including boat ramps will be closed as conditions warrant. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel have been and continue to monitor lake levels and the associated impact to recreational facilities. Recreational areas will be opened as soon as conditions allow.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir continues to hold flood waters and although forecasted lake elevation may approach 174 feet, release of flood water will be through the Powerhouse. Current power generation is scheduled through the two turbines with daily releases for peak power equating to 3,600 cubic feet per second. Hours of operations and flood releases may be adjusted at any time.
Current release schedule for Town Bluff/Dam B/B.A. Steinhagen is forecasted not to exceed 28,000 cubic feet per second. At this time, recreational areas are not impacted. Additional rain in the watershed or change in release amounts at Sam Rayburn will cause changes in releases at Town Bluff.
All water safety measures must be adhered to when on or near the water. Life vests are a must! Large water discharges and changing lake levels will present new hazards at or just below the water line. Be vigilant and constantly aware of changing conditions and hazards. Newly submerged hazards can cause serious damage or injury.
Current closure lists for Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Town Bluff/Dam B/B.A. Steinhagen are at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm or by calling the Sam Rayburn Project Office at 409-384-5716 or Town Bluff/Dam B/B.A. Steinhagen at 409-429-3491 (M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/usacefortworth/.
Release no. 19-002