JASPER COUNTY, Texas — The Army Corps of Engineers has officially opened the floodgates to release water at the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. They’re trying to lower the lake after significant flooding.
Mary Jo Bean has lived on the property for 32 years. She said she hasn’t seen it this bad since 1992.
Bean said the water has been rising for about a week now, but last Saturday was the worst of it.
"We had waves that were like so high, like you'd see in the ocean, that's how high they were,” said Bean.
Bean’s garage was halfway underwater, and three days later half of her yard was still flooded. She said besides tying down her things and staying indoors, there’s not much else she can do.
“The Corps owns a certain part of your yard when you live on the water like this so really we're not supposed to do anything,” said Bean.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the water reached its current record elevation in March of 1992. That was at 175.15 feet. Waterdatafortexas.org said Tuesday’s average is 174.67.
A spokesperson for the corps said in a press release, "The reservoir continues to function as designed and releases of flood water will begin today through the flood gates in addition to those through the Powerhouse."
Now people down river along the Angelina and the Neches need to be on alert.
The corp warns local residents and visitors that lake conditions and downstream releases could impact properties and roads.
From the Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District:
FORT WORTH, Texas – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ representatives at Sam Rayburn Reservoir announce that the reservoir continues to function as designed and releases of flood water will begin today through the flood gates in addition to those through the Powerhouse.
Recent rainfalls have completely filled the flood storage within Sam Rayburn and the project is currently in surcharge operations. This means that higher than normal releases are necessary. Capacity downstream has been regained allowing use of the floodgates in addition to hydropower releases.
Continued rainfall will result in additional inflows, possibly setting a new pool of record. The pool of record for Sam Rayburn is elevation 175.15, recorded on March 10, 1992. Engagement of the labyrinth weir spillway remains possible if the current rainy cycle continues. Lake conditions and downstream releases may impact properties and roadways in the vicinity of the reservoir and the Angelina River downstream of the project; therefore visitors, as well as local residents, should stay apprised of current local road conditions.
Release amounts will continue in accordance with the Water Control Plan through the Powerhouse and now will also include releases through the floodgates. At this time, combined releases are not scheduled to exceed 10,000 cubic feet per second.
The current, short-range forecast does not indicate engaging the labyrinth weir spillway at lake elevation 176; however, continued and unprecedented rainfall will increase the likelihood of higher pool elevations, potentially initiating spillway flow. At that level, impacts are anticipated both immediately around and downstream of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
All water safety measures must be adhered to when on or near the water. Life vests are a must! Large water discharges and changing lake levels will present new hazards at or just below the water line and may inundate low lying roads. Be vigilant and constantly aware of changing conditions and hazards. Newly submerged hazards and flooded roadways can cause serious damage or injury.
Personnel have been and continue to monitor lake levels and the associated impact to recreational facilities. Recreational areas will be opened as soon as conditions allow. Multiple U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's managed campgrounds and boat ramps are currently closed. Additional camping and/or boat launching opportunities may be found at Cassels-Boykin Park, Powell Park Marina, Jackson Hill Park and Marina, Shirley Creek Park and Marina, and the Sam Rayburn Resort and Marina. Please contact each facility prior to visiting to ensure availability. Not all additionally listed locations provide boat launching opportunities at this time. Recreational areas are open and available at the B.A. Steinhagen/Town Bluff/Dam B project.
Current closure lists for Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Town Bluff/Dam B/B.A. Steinhagen are at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm or by calling the Sam Rayburn Project Office at 409-384-5716 or Town Bluff/Dam B/B.A. Steinhagen at 409-429-3491 (M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).