RAINS BRING LAKE SOMERVILLE SLIGHTLY ABOVE FULL CAPACITY
This past weekend’s rain raised water levels at Lake Somerville a hair above full capacity.
As of this (Monday) afternoon, according to www.somerville.lakesonline.com, lake levels sit at 238.13 feet, just over a tenth of a foot above the full pool level. The lake measured at 236.67 feet on Monday, April 26th.
Flood pool levels for Lake Somerville are 258 feet.
Lake Manager Russell Meier said all lake facilities remain open, and that the rain is very beneficial.
Prior to last week’s rain, the lake had been designated at a Stage 1 Drought Watch by the Brazos River Authority (BRA) since mid-March. The lowest level the lake has been in the past six months was when it measured at 235.26 feet on multiple days in late December. The BRA has not yet indicated whether the rainfall will bring the lake out of the drought watch.
Floodgates remain closed at this time. Meier said reservoir control officials will monitor downstream gauges to determine when it would be safe to release water, if necessary.
Rain and possible scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for this evening and tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, with sunny to partly cloudy skies expected through the rest of the week.
As with any sudden influx of water, Meier said to be mindful of floating debris while out on the lake, as well to always practice proper water safety.