LEWISVILLE - The state's largest urban lake, Lewisville Lake, is slowly dropping due to the drought.And for the first time since the rain stopped falling, a lakeside recreation area has been closed.
Rob Jordan, the Lewisville Lake manager who works for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, said the lake is currently at 518 feet.That's about four feet below its normal level.It forced a shutdown of the lake's northernmost boat ramp in Little Elm.
The shoreline at Doe Branch Park is a lot wider these days.
In areas like this, it's approximately 60 to 70 feet, Jordan said. In other areas, it can be further than that.
The single-lane boat ramp at Doe Branch is high and dry.Jordan says it's one of the highest boat ramps on the lake.So when the water drops, it's the first exposed.
We don t want to create a situation where it's hazardous for the public to use.So that's why it's closed, said Jordan.
The Army Corps doesn't have a gate to close off the ramp.So they decided to shut down the entire park, which is used mostly by duck hunters and fisherman.
The next ramp is 15 to 20 minutes away.So it's not good, said David Clements, who is using the closest ramp at Little Elm Park.
The falling lake is a combination of good and bad, according to Clements.
It s good because you can actually see an object before you hit it with your jet ski, he said. It s bad because there are a lot more because the water's going down further.
Lewisville Lake is in much better shape than many across North Texas. Lavon Lake is down almost eight feet, forcing the closure of half the boat ramps there.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, Lewisville Lake would have to drop another few feet before more ramps are closed.
E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com
