Low Lake level- End of Season

[Jesse1]

We had a dry spring, hot dry summer and now a hot, dry fall coming up. It has caused the lake we use, Lake O' the Pines in East Texas, to drop to it's lowest recorded level since it was built in the late '40's.

The area we use is not really that shallow, averaging about 20 feet. The problem is the launch ramps and risking backing off the concrete with the low water level. The hump of dirt and that builds up over the years at the end of the ramp can kill props if you can't float over it. I'm not sure I want to risk damage by trying to launch any more this season. The last time the lake was nearly this low was in '84, and I bent the prop on my new 2001 by backing over dirt and rocks at the end of the ramp.

If we get some good rains this winter, the lake will come up pretty quickly because it has a good watershed. There's always next season!

[Jesse1]

RE: Low Lake level- End of Season

Latest forecast is for Hurricane Rita to stall out over Northeast Texas. Rainfall totals could be as much as 24 inches! :shock: As dry as we are, there will definately be flooding and lots of runoff. Lake O' the Pines level should make a dramatic change.

[Franz]

Looks like you guys need to back off on the rain dances just a little. LOL
Franz

[surroundsound64]

I just moved to Longview and was wondering what the Lake O the Pines was like this low. If it was safe or not. I'm glad you posted that, and ya, this whole hurricane thing should hopefull help us out! hehe.

We should get together sometime out there!!!

[Jesse1]

The lake is still plenty deep in ski water. The big worry is if you fall off the end of the launch ramps when launching or loading the boat. Also can bend your prop on the pile of dirt and rocks at the end of the ramp. The lake should come up quick if we get the 6-10 inches of rain forecast from Rita.

[Jesse1]

Latest forecast calls for 20-30 inches of rain. Rita is supposed to stall out because the jet stream is not dropping down to carry it out.