JASPER, Texas -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ representatives at Sam Rayburn Reservoir announce that the reservoir continues to function as intended and releases of flood water will increase through the flood gates in addition to those through the Powerhouse.
Current lake elevation as of noon today is 170.03 with the top of flood pool at elevation 173. The pool of record for Sam Rayburn is elevation 175.15 recorded on March 10, 1992. Lake conditions and downstream releases may impact properties and roadways in the vicinity of the reservoir and the Angelina River downstream of the project; therefore visitors, as well as local residents, should stay apprised of current local road conditions.
Release amounts will continue in accordance with the Water Control Plan through the Powerhouse and the floodgates. At this time, combined releases are scheduled to increase today, tomorrow and throughout the weekend, but are not expected to exceed 14,000 cubic feet per second.
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 and may inundate low lying roads. Be vigilant and constantly aware of changing conditions and hazards. Newly submerged hazards and flooded roadways can cause serious damage or injury.
Personnel have been and continue to monitor lake levels and the associated impact to recreational facilities. Multiple U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ managed campgrounds and boat ramps are currently closed. Recreational areas are open and available at the B.A. Steinhagen/Town Bluff/Dam B project.
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. 19-021