1. The Lake Report
By: Blake Kellum, SJRA
December 6, 2012
As recent as December 4, 2012, Southeast Texas was categorized as having drought conditions
in the moderate or severe range. It seems that weather forecasters, across the state of Texas,
are sending out confusing messages these days… I’ve heard everything from “expect drought
conditions to continue through spring” to “a return to normal winter rainfall amounts are
expected.” It seems to be a “coin toss” and nevertheless not much has changed for conditions
on area reservoirs as of late.
Lake Conroe’s level continues a slight downward trend and is currently reportedat 197.93
above mean sea level (msl) by the San Jacinto River Authority. This is a bit over 3 feet below
normal pool elevation of 201.00 msl. SJRAhas received almost ½ of an inch of rainfall at the
dam since the start of the month, but it has had little effect on lake level because of extremely
dry soil conditions that act like a sponge to soak up any potential runoff. With both air and
water temperatures cooling and cloudy days, the evaporation levels are not affecting lake level
as severely as during the warm months.

2. Lake Livingston, with its massive 17,000 square mile drainage, continues to hold fairly steady at
near normal level at ¾ of a foot below. Reported stage, or elevation, at the dam is 130.26msl
(normal is 131.00msl). Rainfall in the immediate water shed, since the first of the month, has
averaged less than ½ of an inch, but as always, any heavy rainfall event in the upper watershed
around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex can impact flows and lake level. The Trinity River
Authority is reporting a discharge rate of 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the dam. These
low flows are continued to satisfy the needs of TRA’s downstream customers and stakeholders.
For more information on reservoir conditions and much more, go to:
www.sjra.net for Lake Conroe and San Jacinto River Authority information
orwww.trinityra.org for Lake Livingston and Trinity River Authority information.
For information on Lake Levels in all 50 states go to www.lakelevels.info and select the state of
your choice from the menu. Data on this site is collected from United States Geological Society
(USGS) monitoring stations and may vary somewhat from those reported by the local managing
agency.
Safe Travels and Merry Christmas to all!