FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District at Sam Rayburn Reservoir continues the flood risk management mission and has been holding water to prevent significant flooding downstream on the Neches River which would adversely impact Beaumont and the other communities located within the river corridor downstream from Sam Rayburn and B.A. Steinhagen Reservoirs.
Based on current runoff into Sam Rayburn, the reservoir is expected to crest at or near 169 feet on or about May 13. 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 once again been implemented this season. They include closures at Hanks Creek Park, Monterey Boat Ramp, Marion Ferry Boat Ramp, and several campsite closures in Mill Creek Park and San Augustine Park. The closures may continue through the Memorial Day Holiday weekend affecting recreationists. Currently, the pool continues to rise and should stabilize in the next couple of days provided the region does not get additional rainfall. Flood gate releases have been initiated and will increase as flows on the Neches River afford the capacity to make additional releases. 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.
Release no. 16-029