As we look around us now, it's hard to imagine that not very long ago we were commiserating about the lack of rain and considering hosting community rain dances! Our area lakes have seen some low levels, but Mother Nature more than made up for the long-withheld wet stuff in December. Over a course of just one weekend, we saw that deluge of water hyacinth, many of the parks and launch ramps closed, and pelicans roosting on the last bit of tin on the tops of day use picnic tables!
While it's been beautiful to see the area resoirvers filled to the brim, this double-edged sword is not without consequence....yes, the birds and other wildlife seem to love it, but if you were one of the fortunate folks who live lakeside and had to watch a few weeks back with bated breath as Lake O' the Pines jumped by leaps and bounds, it wasn't such a thrill. Friends and family in the surrounding areas had this predicament, and this tradeoff is not so nice if it's in YOUR back yard, lapping at YOUR door, or mangling YOUR dock! I'd actually taken some photos on Lake O' the Pines that I wanted to post, but did not because it felt wrong. I know too many people that were either trying to procure sandbags or having to travel alternate routes to get to and from their homes to feel good about doing so.
From data on the Corps of Engineers website, Lake O' the Pines was a high of nearly 242 feet, and is dropping now and at under 240. Current release rate is 3,000 CFS, the maximum, so the Big Cypress Bayou is looking good, too. This is 12 feet above normal winter pool. Lake Wright Patman saw record levels of almost 255 feet, and was a whopping 33 feet above normal!
But now, WOW, we can hope to have the best of both worlds; if our springtime rainfall is miraculously paced, we can enjoy the benefits and enter the hot, dry months of summer with cash in the bank. Of course, we all know how quickly this can change - one impulsive spending spree can wipe your account clean, just as many weeks without rain can put us back with exposed banks and stagnant coves.
So, I propose that we all get out and use this gift that many years we do not have. Enjoy our lakes and rivers! Enjoy those areas that aren't always accessible! Paddle the river while there is flow, get on the lake in areas where it is normally too shallow, do some fishing and watch the birds overhead! Let's all make the most of this gift in 2016 while we have it!
Kristi is a naturalist and photographer who grew up on Lake O' the Pines where she still lives. You will find her much of the time on or near the lake, camera in hand as she photographs birds and other natural objects. She is an active member of the Cypress Basin Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.
Comments
Beautiful photos and great information about the rains and their affect on Lake O the Pines, Krisiti!! Let's hope we have an amazing few months ahead for really enjoying this gift of water, water, everywhere!