FORT WORTH, Texas -- In keeping with their flood management mission, area U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake staff continue to monitor lakes daily due to recent heavy rains. Several lakes continue to operate in flood pool while water is released. Ultimately, it may take several weeks for water to return to conservation levels. As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, lake managers are aware that the recreating public likely has plans to visit a lake for the popular weekend. Numerous parks and recreation areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers within the central Texas area have closed due to either flooding or debris.
The following is a closure status report for all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Three Rivers Region managed parks and day use facilities for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. All Whitney Lake day use and camping areas will remain closed. Aquilla Lake outlet works and fishing platform behind the dam is currently open, however Dairy Hill boat ramp, Old School boat ramp, and FM1534 Bridge Access are all closed. Navarro Mills Lake has partial closures in Liberty Hill, Oak Park, and Wolf Creek, but has implemented full closures for the remaining facilities and recreation areas. Waco Lake has partial closures in place at Midway Park and Reynolds Creek Park. All other day use and camping areas at Waco Lake are closed due to flooding. Hords Creek Lake will continue to operate as normal.
Even after water levels recede, issues such as road and electrical inspections, debris removal, repairs and cleaning services must be addressed before park operations return to normal. Typically, water must be clear of concrete and asphalt surfaces for a period of at least 21 days to allow the surface material to dry before the area can have any impact. If ample time is not allowed for drying, traffic on softened base material will result in significant road damage which would further extend opening dates. Once the surface area dries, maintenance staff can assess the repair needs for that specific area. At this time, predictions for the reopening of closed campgrounds and day use areas cannot be made. Visitors are encouraged to call the local lake offices for more details on a specific area.
As a reminder, these closures are specific to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed areas. Private marinas and other private concessionaires may be available for services during this time. Individuals planning for lake activities are encouraged to call those locations in advance for their current status. For information on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed areas outside of these lakes mentioned above, log on to www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil. For up to date closure information on day use and campgrounds, visit www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm.
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. 19-015