CAMDEN, Texas – DAM AT CARTER LAKE UPDATE 4:10 p.m.
EVACUEES MAY RETURN HOME
The owners of the dam at Carter Lake reported earlier today that the lake level has decreased by approximately one foot, and it is the intent of the owners to bring the water level down three to four feet below where it was originally.
According to the property owners, the lake level has receded below the level of damage and the water outflow from the hole in the earthen embankment of the dam has ceased. A six inch pipe that exists below the spillway should also assist with drainage of excess water that may accumulate in the lake. The owners state pumping equipment will remain onsite until the dam repairs have been completed.
Emergency Management officials met with the TCEQ Dam Safety Division earlier today. Following a review of the current conditions, residents may now return to their homes.
Residents should use caution when traveling roads and crossing bridges over Dabbs Creek in low-lying areas, as pumping operations by the dam’s property owners will continue.
We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of residents who followed the voluntary evacuation guidance, as well as the dedication and support of emergency responders throughout this incident.
Emergency Management will remain in contact with the property owners until dam repair operations are fully completed.
DAM AT CARTER LAKE UPDATE 8:55 a.m.
Pumping operations continue at Carter Lake. Two high-volume pumps are in use to lower the lake’s water level below the damage in the dam’s earthen embankment.
The lake’s water level is down about one foot, and the water outflow from the hole in the embankment has reduced even more since yesterday.
The plan is to continue pumping to get the water level down well below the hole, and the dam’s property owners hope to begin conversations with an engineering firm today.
The County estimates that it may take up to 3 days to know the extent of the damage and receive assurance from the engineer that the dam is stable and it’s safe for residents to return home.
Persons residing in the evacuation area are encouraged to avoid the area until further notice.
Dunbar Gym Shelter at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston remains open and is supported by the American Red Cross.
DAM AT CARTER LAKE UPDATE — 5:40 p.m.
Emergency officials say crews are making progress in stabilizing the compromised Carter Lake Dam as pumping operations continue Sunday evening to lower the lake’s water level.
According to Emergency Management, two high-volume pumps are moving water from Carter Lake down the dam’s spillway to reduce pressure on the damaged earthen embankment. Property owners expect the water level to drop below the hole in the embankment within 8 to 10 hours, at which point the outflow from the 8-inch breach is expected to stop.
The goal is to lower the lake’s level by another 2 feet from its current position, allowing a clearer assessment of the damage. Property owners plan to begin discussions with an engineering firm on Monday.
Pumping crews are monitoring operations overnight, while emergency response teams continue to oversee conditions in the affected area.
Residents in the evacuation zone are still being urged to stay clear until further notice. The Dunbar Gym shelter at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston remains open and is being supported by the American Red Cross.
Officials said updates will be provided as water levels drop and the situation stabilizes.
DAM AT CARTER LAKE UPDATE — 11 a.m.
Emergency Management officials visited property owners on site Sunday morning to assess the damage to the earthen embankment at Carter Lake, a mid-sized lake on private property.
Officials said there is an estimated 8-inch hole in the earthen embankment with a steady flow of water being released. Property owners are using high-volume pumps to lower the lake’s water level below the damaged section.
Progress has been made in reducing the lake level, and property owners reported that the flow of water through the hole has lessened. Local officials said they are pleased with the efforts being made.
Property owners intend to seek assistance from an engineer to make repairs. While this work is underway, officials recommend that anyone living in or near the area of concern avoid the site.
Earlier Story:
The Carter Lake Dam in Polk County has been compromised, prompting an immediate evacuation order for residents living nearby, according to the Polk County Emergency Management.
Authorities said there is damage to the dam’s embankment, and property owners are currently assessing the risk of a potential breach.
Officials warned that nighttime conditions were hindering efforts to fully evaluate the seriousness of the damage.
Residents who live south of the dam — specifically along Henry Darden Road, Marie Road, Community Drive, Bo Peep, Herb Collins Road and Girard — may be in the potential path of flooding if the dam fails.
Emergency management officials urged residents in those areas to evacuate immediately and remain clear of the affected zone until further notice.
Those evacuating were encouraged to seek shelter with friends or family members.
Shelter location:
A public shelter was opened at Dunbar Gym, located at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston, for residents who could not make other arrangements.
Officials said property owners and emergency crews were monitoring the situation and would provide updates as additional assessments were made.
Anyone in immediate danger should contact emergency services.