Lake Brownwood has gained 4.5 feet in elevation since the rain began on Sunday, according to Brown County Water Improvement District General Manager Dennis Spinks, and as of Thursday morning the lake level is at 1416.42 msl (mean sea level). Although this is a significant gain to the area’s main water source, conservation is still being encouraged.
Runoff from the watershed continues to flow, however has began to slow down Thursday according to Spinks.
“It’s still flowing in, it’s slowing down, but it’s still coming into the lake,” said Spinks who estimates the lake may see as much as another six inch gain in elevation.The low pressure system that brought the multi-day rain event to the Big Country area was somewhat unusual for the area this time of year. Spinks explained that a big rain is not that unusual in July, but that it is usually brought by a tropical storm.
“Usually in July tropical storms can come in and the lake fills up, but that was not the case this time. It was a welcome change,” said Spinks. “It’s still coming up but tapering, maybe we’ll get a little more water into the lake; actually we might get another 6 inches.”
Spinks stated that Lake Brownwood has seen the elevation increase above the Stage 3 trigger point for water restrictions, but that the district plans to keep restrictions in place for now.
“We are above Stage 3 and into Stage 2, but board members are in agreement to stay in Stage 3 restrictions,” said Spinks. “In August, this rise in elevation could disappear with hot and windy weather.”
He explained that the BCWID Board met with area providers Wednesday and that all were in agreement to stay in Stage 3.
“They agreed that we want to stay in Stage 3 until we know this drought has ended,” Spinks said. “Changing restrictions confuses everyone and we want to conserve in case we don’t have any significant inflow into the lake in the next six months or more.”
He stated that the last significant inflow into the lake had been over a year or more. The largest amount he remembered was in October of 2011. The drought continued and in 2012 there was another 3 foot gain, he said.
The weather forecasts do not show any more chances of rain this week; however, there were more storms last night, particularly over the watershed and water will probably continue to trickle into the lake over the next couple of days according to Spinks.
He stated that while driving around the lake and the inflow areas Wednesday, there were lots of fishermen seen on the streams such as the Jim Ned and the Pecan Bayou. He explained that catfish go into a feeding frenzy after a big rainfall. Many of the docks around the lake are once again floating and some that were in need of repair are actually under water. Water is also back at the BCWID courtesy slip at the dam according to Spinks.
With the welcome rainfall also comes some hazards. Spinks stated that lake users need to be reminded to be cautious of floating debris brought in by this inflow of water.
“Everyone needs to know that this inflow brought a lot of debris such as brush, trees and logs into the lake,” warned Spinks. “Those who are out on the lake need to be very careful because this type of debris can float just under the surface of the water and cause significant damage to boats. They all need to be very cautious.”
Spinks explained that yesterday a debris field was seen floating in the Goat Island, Sandy Beach and Flat Rock areas. He said that many logs were seen floating past the Lake Bridge at Hwy 279 yesterday as well. This debris is getting closer to the main part of Lake Brownwood where there is more traffic.
Lake Brownwood patrolmen are out on the lake picking up heavy debris they encounter, said Spinks. Currently, there are three Lake Patrol officers employed by BCWID.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90s and if temperatures do not rise above 100° and if there is not a lot of wind, this will help with evaporation losses on the lake. “It’ll be a good time to be out on the lake,” said Spinks.
While being thankful for the recent blessing of rainfall into Lake Brownwood, the public is encouraged to continue all conservation efforts and Stage 3 water restrictions.
Pictured above, Lake Brownwood on Wednesday at sunset. Photo courtesy Lake Brownwood State Park.
