The Lake Report by Blake Kellum, SJRA

November 7, 2012

It seems that Fall has finally arrived in Southeast Texas and none too soon for me… August was a scorcher, around here, with temperatures and dry conditions matching those of last year. The rains that finally came in October did bring an end to another mini drought around Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe but did little to help bring back full lake levels.

Now that November has arrived it seems that the rains are coming more frequently so there is still hope that Lake Conroe can gain another three feet to top off at normal pool before Spring arrives.

The San Jacinto River Authority’s Groundwater Reduction Program (GRP) has kicked off its project to build and operate a large volume surface-water production facility located on the east abutment of Lake Conroe Dam. The large amount of heavy equipment seen floating out in front of the Dam, as well as the loading yard on the Dam’s west end are visible signs of the projects commencement. The construction can be seen from Hwy 105 West near McCaleb Road. All of this waterborne activity is related to the construction of the new raw water intake structure located on the eastern end of the Dam. The barges and cranes will be on the water for the better part of the next year until all below deck construction is complete.

The contractor that is leading this effort is McCarthy Building Companies Inc. with offices located at the new surface water plant site off of Longmire Road.

Heavy construction

equipment in front of Lake Conroe Dam

McCarthy’s loading and dredge spoil storage area near Hwy 105 and McCaleb Rd.

Lake Conroe level is steady at 198.13msl, almost 3 feet below normal pool of 201.00msl, with no releases being made at this time.

Lake Livingston level, as reported from the TRA website, is at 130.61msl, or down slightly from full pool elevation of 131.00msl. TRA is currently releasing 1,000cfs from the Dam.

As always for more information go to: www.sjra.net or www.trinityra.org.