The water level in Lake Texoma is currently high due to recent heavy rains in the region.
As of May 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT, the pool elevation was 632.47 feet, which is 16.75 feet above normal and 15.47 feet into the flood pool. The conservation pool elevation is 617.00 feet, and the top of the spillway is at 640 feet.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District, which manages Lake Texoma, has reported high inflows and is currently releasing water from the dam. As of May 6, 2025, the total release was 41,323 cubic feet per second (cfs), with 31,004 cfs through the gates and 10,319 cfs through the turbines.
The forecast for Lake Texoma predicts the water level to continue rising to 633.70 feet by May 9, 2025. This level is still approximately seven feet below the top of the spillway (640 feet).
Regarding the Red River, there has been significant flooding upstream of Lake Texoma, as seen by the river spilling over its banks at the I-35 crossing on the Oklahoma/Texas border. While the National Weather Service forecast for the Red River gauge in Shreveport, Louisiana, predicts it to reach the “Action” flood stage this week, the immediate impact on the spillway at Lake Texoma is directly related to the lake’s elevation.
Given the current lake level of 632.47 feet and the forecast peak of 633.70 feet, the water is not expected to reach the spillway elevation of 640 feet. Therefore, it is unlikely that the spillway will flood again in the immediate future due to the recent rains, although the lake remains at a high level, leading to various park and ramp closures around the lake.
Impact on Businesses:
Rising floodwaters have indeed impacted businesses around Lake Texoma. News reports from early May 2025 mention that businesses like the Island Bar and Grill Lake Texoma in Pottsboro have been affected by the high water levels. Additionally, several parks, campgrounds, and boat ramps around Lake Texoma have been closed due to the high lake elevation and ongoing construction.
Lake Texoma Spillway History:
The Lake Texoma spillway has only flooded five times since the dam’s construction in 1944. The record high lake elevation was 645.72 feet on June 1, 2015, which resulted in a significant spillway flow of 90,000 cfs.
Current Situation Summary:
- Lake Texoma Elevation: 632.47 feet (as of May 6, 2025, 2:00 PM CDT), 16.75 feet above normal.
- Forecasted Peak: 633.70 feet by May 9, 2025.
- Spillway Elevation: 640 feet.
- Spillway Flood Risk: Currently low, as the forecasted peak is below the spillway elevation.
- Red River: Significant flooding upstream, contributing to high inflows into Lake Texoma.
- Local Impacts: Businesses and recreational areas around Lake Texoma are experiencing closures and impacts due to the high water levels.
It’s important to stay informed about the latest lake levels and forecasts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for any changes in the situation.
- Check current rainfall levels