Heavy rainfall and flooding that began at the end of April and continued into May has resulted in the closure of some public access areas around Lake Whitney.
Lake Whitney State Park officials announced Monday, May 6, that the park would temporarily close due to flooding.
The park is expected to be closed through at least Wednesday, May 22, and park officials said that conditions will be monitored with more rain in the forecast.
The following U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks were fully closed as of The Lakelander’s press time Sunday: Kimball Bend Park, Lofers Bend, Lofers East, Nolan River Park and Plowman Creek Park.
Partial closures were reported at Cedar Creek Park, where the boat ramp was closed; Cedron Creek and Lofers West, where the boat ramps and some campsites were closed; McCown Valley, where the boat ramp, day use areas and some campsites were closed; Soldiers Bluff, where the lower day use loop was closed; Walling Bend Park, where campsites and one boat ramp were closed; Steele Creek Park, where both boat ramps and some campsites were closed; and Riverside Park, where the access ramp was closed and the park was open for day use only.
Boat ramps at Aquilla Lake were fully closed as the week began, while the Outlet Works and fishing platform was open.
Park status can change daily, and the latest information can be found at http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm.
Note that private businesses on Lake Whitney often continue to offer access when parks are closed.
As of Sunday, Lake Whitney was at 541.64′ above sea level, over 8.5 feet above normal. Lake Aquilla was at 545.89′, over 8 feet above normal.
The Lakelander 