Hot, dry conditions drying up East Texas area lakes

Published: Jul. 2, 2009 at 9:01 PM CDT|Updated: Jul. 3, 2009 at 6:21 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

By Jena Johnson - bio | email

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - As the summer heat dries out East Texas, lake levels are dropping by the day revealing new dangers for boaters and summers.

"Well, it was up here, now it's down there," said Candace Roberts, pointing at the lake's shoreline.

Candace Roberts takes her family to Lake Nacogdoches every weekend. She said the lack of rain is drying up parts of the lake.

"I know it's going to come back up, but it's not as deep," said Roberts.

The shallow lake levels concern her. Roberts said lower shorelines make her kids a bit too daring.

"They want to go out past the buoys," said Roberts. "Then you have to worry about that."

Wayne Triana has been catching fish on Lake Nacogdoches since he was a boy. He said the lower the water levels, the more visible the stumps.

"Right now the lake levels look pretty close to about three feet low, and those obstacles are getting closer to the top of the water," said Triana.

Texas Parks and Wildlife said stumps can cause serious accidents. They're urging boaters to always use their kill switch. Triana said it's a must.

"You know for some reason if there is an obstruction that we hit and we chunked out, the boat's going to shut down and were not going to hurt anybody else," said Triana.

Even with the dryer conditions and this heat, Roberts said it won't stop her family from enjoying the lake.

"Everybody has a good time," said Roberts. "That's what it's all about. Celebrate independence."

Roberts said she just hopes rain comes soon.

If you plan on jet skiing or inner-tubing this July 4th weekend, Texas Parks and Wildlife said it's best to do those things in the bay area of the lake. That way you can avoid dangerous obstacles sitting about the waterline.

©2009 KTRE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.