Corps of Engineers closes parks due to flooding at Lake O’ the Pines

Published May 3, 2016

FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, in keeping with its flood risk management charter, continues to monitor recent flooding at Lake O’ the Pines and the Cypress Basin in Texas. Based on current runoff upstream of Lake O’ the Pines, the reservoir is expected to crest near 242.5 feet on or about May 4.  Visit the Fort Worth District Water Management Section Web Site at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil for up to date information.

Due to the increased reservoir elevations, several park and boat ramp closures have taken place. Approximately 55% of the boat ramps, and 65% of the campsites are closed at this time. In addition, currently all swim beaches remain closed. For a list of closures please visit:  http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm.

The Corps of Engineers is concerned for public safety, and urges boaters to wear life jackets and use caution while navigating. Floodwaters have created unfamiliar boating conditions and increased flows into the reservoir have flushed a large amount of debris into the main body of water. Boaters are reminded to CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY YOUR BOAT, TRAILER AND GEAR! Please avoid or minimize boat travel through any mats of vegetation to limit the spread of invasive species, more information is available at http://www.texasinvasives.org/.    

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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 Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308.


Contact
Clay Church
817-886-1314
clayton.a.church@usace.army.mil
819 Taylor St., Fort Worth, TX

Release no. 16-027