LAKE SOMERVILLE ABOVE NORMAL LEVELS AS HEAVY RAINS PUSH INTO BRAZOS VALLEY
Lake Somerville is currently six feet above normal elevation.
Readings from www.somerville.lakesonline.com show lake levels at 244.6 feet, roughly 6.6 feet above the full pool of 238 feet. Flood pool levels for Lake Somerville are 258 feet.
Park Ranger Kimberly Knopp said the lake’s floodgates were opened up to six feet on December 13th, and are still open. According to Knopp, Reservoir Control within the Fort Worth District Office dictates when gates are opened and closed.
Knopp said there have been several closures at the Rocky Creek and Yegua Creek Parks. At Rocky Creek Park, Campsites 52-81, 171-192 and Boat Ramps 1 and 2 are closed, due to the high lake elevation. Meanwhile, at Yegua Creek Park, Boat Ramp 1 is closed.
Several area counties, including Burleson, Brazos, Grimes, Austin, Waller, and Washington Counties, went under Flash Flood Watch at 6 a.m. this (Wednesday) morning, and will stay under watch until noon on Thursday.
Widespread rainfall totals look to be around two or three inches, with the potential of up to four inches in some areas.
The Park Rangers at Lake Somerville would like to remind boaters to watch out for flood debris floating in the lake, be prepared for cold temperatures and remember to wear life jackets.