Lake Whitney (Texas)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lake Whitney
Lake Whitney -
Location Texas
Coordinates 31°54′08″N, 97°22′09″WCoordinates: 31°54′08″N, 97°22′09″W
Lake type reservoir
Primary inflows Brazos River, Nolan River
Primary outflows Brazos River
Basin countries United States
Surface area 37 sq mi (96 km²)
Surface elevation 449 ft (137 m)

Lake Whitney is the only flood control reservoir on the main stem of the Brazos River in the state of Texas. It is located on River Mile Marker 442 and controls drainage for 17,656 square miles of Texas and parts of New Mexico. A noted lake for many different types of fishing, it is located 80 miles south of Fort Worth and 29 miles north of Waco. The man made reservoir encompasses 37 square miles and 225 miles of shoreline that varies from 100 ft tall white bluffs to low lying sandy beaches.

[edit] History

The Whitney Damn was authorized by the county in 1944 to improve flood control and as a way to create power generation for the surrounding areas. The reservoir project began in earnest in 1946. The dam was opened in 1951 while construction of the power plant was completed afterwards and began operation in 1953. Today the Army Corps of Engineers maintains the dam and the surrounding parks, such as Soldiers Bluff, Lofers Bend, McCown Valley and Kimball Bend Parks.

The lake has many choices of accommodations for visitors, ranging from quaint "Mom & Pop" resorts to B&B's. Many offer boat rentals, fine dining, and year-round recreation. The Texas Legislature named Lake Whitney as the Official Getaway Capital of the state in 2005.

[edit] Recreation

The lake is well recognized by local residents as a popular recreational destination (due to its proximity to both Waco and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex) and is home to numerous parks and marinas. Due to the wide and open area of the lake, water skiers are prevalent in the widest parts of the lakes nearest the dam. Bass fishing, just one of the many types of fishing that can be done at the lake, nearest its Brazos waters, has produced many trophy fish and holds two state records.

[edit] References