Flood operations impacts USACE recreation opportunities

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, in keeping with its flood risk reduction charter, continues to monitor and manage recreation facilities impacted by recent flooding in Texas.

Please see https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm for recreation areas impacted or closed.

Most of the district’s flood risk management reservoirs are or will hold water in the flood pools from recent rain events. Flood pools are areas above the conservation or normal pool levels that hold additional water until it may be safely released downstream to prepare for the next flood event. There are many variables that impact how much and when flood water is discharged from a lake. Those variables include: channel capacity, overall system ability to safely pass the flood water downstream, power generation requirements, capability of the project, any in-place deviations or variations from normal operating manuals.

There are recent events when flood waters were held for over a month at specific projects which impact parks, campgrounds, boat ramps and roads. In addition to the water being released there is also a period that must be observed to allow for roadbeds and other areas to dry out before they may be used again.  

Currently all 25 of the Fort Worth District lakes are being operated as intended and designed. There are 21 of the 25 lakes that have water in their respective flood pools. Lake levels and flood release amounts may be observed on the Reservoir Status Report page at https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/rcshtml.pl?page=Reports&report=fish&csrf=HRljG28QHJ.

Public safety is the number one priority for the USACE and we urge all during high water events who are on or near the water to wear life jackets and use caution while navigating. Floodwaters have created unfamiliar boating conditions, changed shorelines, watch for overhead electric lines and submerged objects such as picnic tables, signs, and debris.

For additional information visit the above web sites or call your favorite lake office.

Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and social media at: https://about.me/usacefortworth.