LAKE SOMERVILLE BUSINESSES HOPEFUL FOR LABOR DAY

  

Lake Somerville businesses are hopeful coming into the Labor Day weekend, despite a year of hardship.

The rain and flooding experienced in May caused the lake to be closed for fishing and recreation. Recently, rainfall came up almost 9 feet over the conservation pool. Lake Somerville has a current elevation of 246.9 feet, while normal elevation is 238 feet. According to National Resource Specialist, Russell Meyer, both flood gates have been reopened at 6 feet each. The lake is now releasing 2138 cubic feet per second into the Yegua Creek, which flows into the Brazos River.

While many of the parks surrounding the Lake remain closed, Lake Somerville Marina and Campground and Welch Park are currently open for camping and day use.

According to Meyer, visitors can plan on other parks opening on September 30th. While this is the projected opening date, Meyer hopes another campground may open sooner:

An employee from Lake Somerville Marina and Campground says things are already looking up, as campsites during Labor Day weekend are almost completely booked. They are hoping the construction of a newly rebuilt marina will draw even more people to the lake.

Lake Somerville has a total of 11 boat ramps. Boat ramps that are open include: Apache Hills, Birch Creek Forest Subdivision, Lake Somerville Marina, and Welch Park. Those that are still closed include: Birch Creek State Park, Yegua Creek Park, Rocky Creek Park, Big Creek Park. Nails Creek State Park is partially closed.

As the summer comes to an end, Lake Somerville Marina and Campground is looking forward to winter. Their hope is that since many people have missed out on their summertime visits, winter will be a busy season on the lake for everyone.