FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, recently announced impacts of the spring 2015 floods on recreation opportunities at Corps facilities. All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in Texas are multi-purpose, but the flood damage reduction mission and public safety are the first priority. Capturing heavy rainfall until it can be safely released protects life and property for millions of Texas citizens living near major river systems.
The storm waters captured from storms in May and June have impacted the recreation mission for the 25 Fort Worth District managed lakes. In some lakes it will take two months or more for lake levels to return to normal conservation pool levels – even with no additional rain.
Wave action causes the majority of erosion and damage to lake structures as waters recede. Wind and boat traffic are the two primary causes of wave action. Boaters should reduce their speed and try not to create large wakes when boating near the shoreline and especially by homes with flood waters near their foundations. The public is cautioned to beware of floating debris and submerged structures that may be under the water surface.
Even when the sun comes out and the waters recede, major repairs may still be required at lake facilities. Electrical boxes and outlets, toilet facilities and trails may have been inundated for weeks. Debris piles must be removed and asphalt park roads require two weeks to properly dry out before they can re-open.
Each of the Corps lakes is different; many have facilities operated by private individuals, cities or by Texas Parks and Wildlife Division. Contact them for current conditions with their facilities.
Corps facilities not available for the 2015 summer season
The below listed lakes have been heavily impacted by high water, which is expected to linger for a number of weeks. Most or all Corps-managed facilities will not be available for recreation through Labor Day. Some facilities operated by others may be open. Check with them for details.
Bardwell, Benbrook, Grapevine, Lewisville, Navarro Mills, Ray Roberts, Somerville and Whitney Lakes
Corps facilities heavily impacted by high water or drought
Some of these Corps-managed lake facilities will not be available for most of the summer. Check our Facility Closure Report (link below) or other operators for details on what may be open through Labor Day. Some facilities operated by others may be open.
Belton – Some campgrounds are open but most facilities will not be available this summer.
Georgetown – Campgrounds and some day use areas are open but not boat docks.
Granger – Most campgrounds and ramps are open but docks and trails are still impacted.
Hords Creek – No swimming beaches and one of two parks is under construction and not available.
Joe Pool – Check with local park and marina operators.
Lavon – Limited campground and day use until August; some ramps open.
O.C. Fisher – No ramps but all other facilities open.
Proctor – Most facilities not available but some will reopen in August. Water receding very slowly.
Sam Rayburn – Campgrounds heavily impacted by high water.
Waco – Limited availability of facilities until Labor Day.
Wright-Patman – Most facilities open but beaches and some boat ramps not available.
Corps facilities open
Most or all Corps-managed facilities at these lakes are now open.
Aquilla Lake, Canyon Lake (most facilities to open by July 2 except Potters Creek Park will be closed all summer), Cooper/Jim Chapman Lake, Lake O’ the Pines (most facilities open), Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Town Bluff/B.A. Steinhagen Lake (most facilities open).
Latest lake levels may be viewed at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/rcshtml.pl?page=Reports&report=fish and facility closure report may be viewed at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/drought/drought.htm.
For additional information about lake operations, please call the lake office directly or the Fort Worth District’s Public Affairs Office at 817-886-1306.
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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 Face book at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308