A year ago, many were praying for rain to fill the Big Country’s drought depleted lakes. Today, many that live near those same lakes are praying that the water goes down.
In spring of 2015, several years of severe drought conditions were taking its toll on area lakes. Lake Abilene was barely more than a field. That April, the lake was zero percent full, according to Water Data for Texas. Farther north, things weren’t much better. Lake Stamford and Hubbard Creek Reservoir were at 10 and 12 percent respectively. The numbers were a little better for Lake Forth Phantom Hill and Lake Brownwood, but both were still at less than half capacity.
As 2015 progressed, the year got wetter and wetter. The excess rain not only signaled an end to the drought, but also saw lake levels rise. While it was a relief for many, recent storms have brought the lakes to all new highs, even causing problems for those that live nearby.
Lake Fort Phantom in Abilene is full. Boat docks that have not touched lake water in years are in some cases, completely under water. In other cases, the lake has made it all the way to homes.
In Eastland County, residents are experiencing even worse conditions. Water has flooded several homes. Now, those that live nearby are worried it could get worse as more water drains into Lake Leon.
With the floods of last summer still fresh on people’s minds, Brown County residents were prepared for the worst. Officials warned residents of the rising Lake Brownwood waters and had sand bags on standby in case they were needed. The lake is expected to peak on Friday.
Boat ramps long closed were finally opened in Stephens County. Officials with the West Central Texas Municipal Water District sent out a release saying three boat ramps on the Hubbard Creek Reservoir are now back open. The lake gained 4.46 feet of water in just the past few days.
Lake Abilene may have just been a field a year ago, but the recent rain has helped bring it today to 51 percent full. A welcoming change as the summer nears.
(Information from BigCountryHomepage.com)
