Richland Chambers Lake Level Nerd Alert!

If you've been on Richland Chambers very long you've seen  ups and downs, highs and lows and in-betweens.  Some folks came here and built just in time to see 5 tough years. While some have been here only long enough to enjoy very good years. One thing for sure, fluctuation is a part of life on RC Lake. Actually folks on pretty much every Texas lake experience fluctuation. When we have normal rainfall, lake levels are good.  Less rainfall means lower lake levels. It's really pretty simple. The Great State of Texas could not support even close to today's population without man made reservoirs catching the rainfall. The ability to store water in many places in the United States allows large populations to thrive. Our modern standards and lifestyle require vast amounts of the most precious natural resource we have, water.  Richland Chambers lake, like most every man made lake, has had its ups and downs depending on water falling from the sky.

Time on Richland Chambers can be measured by pre-March 11, 2015 and post March 11, 2015.

March 11, 2015 was the day the lake hit 315' and stayed after almost 5 long years of Texas drought. During the period from late 2010 to March of 2015 we experienced 3 of the lowest lake levels in the 30 year history of Richland Chambers. Then a lot of water fell from the sky and regularly continues to do so.
So here comes the nerd part... The average lake level during that time was 309', 6 feet low. Since March 11 2015 the average lake level has been 313', a level we can all appreciate. But,

Half of the time for the last 30 years Richland Chambers Lake has been less than 1 foot below Full Pool

The chart above is made up of 11,003 daily lake levels, dating back to Jan 1st 1990. The average of all of those levels is 313.01'. So can we say these last 4 years or so have been normal?
Since Jan 1st 1990 we have experienced 3274 days above 315' (full pool) and 5526 days above 314'.  
So half of the time for the last 30 years Richland Chambers Lake has been less than 1 foot below full. Think about that! 
313' and above - 6893 days and one more just for fun: 
Less than 3ft down, 8134 days or 74% of the last 30 years. 
So yes there have been and will be ups and downs in the life of the lake but remember, They built the lake here for a reason!

#richlandchambers. #richlandchamberslake  #richlandchamberslakelevel

Richland Chambers Lake Level Feb 2018

So if you live on Richland Chambers or any other Texas Lake the lake level is always on your mind.   Somewhere in your thoughts, whether the lake is up or down, you're thinking about the lake level.  Sometimes in the summer you jump off your dock and its a long way to the bottom.  And then  you're out on the boat one day and you see a sand bar you haven't seen in a while.  Or, you wake up one morning and the water is up to your dock!  

So what's the lake level now?

Here is a chart of Richland Chambers Lake Level  up to February 11, 2018 for the last five years. 

Richland Chambers Lake Level

 Taken from: http://richlandchambers.uslakes.info/Level.asp

This chart represents more than 9,000 daily lake level entries and tracks the lake since January of 1990. It shows the majority of lows occur in the winter, this time of year. Also Richland Chambers fills very rapidly. The average fluctuation for this chart is: 312.46 which is a 2.54 ft fluctuation. 
To see a bigger version of this go to:  BuyRCLakeLakeLevelHistory 

So where does it need to rain to fill the Lake?

Like most Texas lakes, Richland Chambers is a rainfall dependent lake.  There has to be appreciable rainfall in the watershed to keep the lake full. 

Here is a map of where it needs to rain to fill Richland Chambers Lake.

Richland Chambers Lake Watershed

The orange area is out of the 100 yr flood plain and any major floodway

This map is a work in progress and shows the approximate boundaries of the Richland Chambers Lake Watershed. Also all the creeks that need to fill and flow in order to fill RC Lake. The watershed is approximately 1947 square miles, stretching into 6 counties.  It can be divided into two major sections by following the creeks. 

The Richland Creek Watershed and the Chambers Creek Watershed  These two can be further divided by major creek sections and both include a Corps of Engineer Lake, Lake Bardwell and Navarro Mills Lake. These lakes are used to hold back flood flood waters and control the amount of water going downstream to Richland Chambers and ultimately the Trinity River. 

In the life of the lake the average fluctuation is less than 3ft.  

They built Richland Chambers here for a reason, a lot of water comes this way to form the 3rd largest lake in Texas!!

So far we seem to be in a rainy groove this winter, let's hope it continues!

The Saga of the Boat

The Saga of the Boat.

Well, 'saga' may be a strong word.  We have definitely had more exciting and even harrowing adventures on the boat over the years than this most recent tale, but here we go...

On a trailer for the first time in years

 A boat is a wonderful thing, especially on Richland Chambers with miles of lake to explore.  Last fall we were out checking out a place from the water and taking some pictures. Not paying enough attention and staring at my camera phone, we were blown into shore rather quickly.  While making a hasty retreat I hit something in the water.  We made it back to the slip ok and, long story short, after some relatively minor repairs and maintenance over the winter it was time to relaunch our trusty craft.  So last week while the temps were dropping with the help of two good friends and a borrowed trailer we launched the boat at Oak Cove Marina.   Richland Chambers Lake level is still pretty low but Jerry has done a good job with his ramp over the years.  Rooter and I took off and made the trip around to the Shores Marina and tied up in the slip.   Richland Chambers is a beautiful place.

Rooter, bundled up for launch

The Ramp at Oak Cove

Lake resident Roy Cundiff from his good side

Heading out

US Hwy 287 Bridge

This last Sunday afternoon was beautiful, Parker and I took a little spin

In the slip

The bridge is a thing of beauty

Pmoney

Richland Chambers Lake Level February 2015

Richland Chambers Lake level is still at historic lows as of February 4, 2015.  Today Richland Chambers is at 304.88' msl which is 10.12' below pool level.  Oak Cove Marina and Fisherman's Point Marina are still launching boats and fishing season is right around the corner.  We have been getting some rain and the lake has come up about .7' from the low point this year.  

The Richland Chambers Watershed covers 1957 square miles and touches 6 counties. We must get enough rain in the watershed to push Richland Creek and Chambers Creek out of their banks to make the lake fill.  

Chambers Creek

The recent rain had Chambers Creek running at a little over 11 ft for about 12 hours or so, (8.5 ft over normal flow) but well below the flood stage of 24 ft.  

Chambers Creek feeds out of Bardwell Reservoir and represents the largest part of the Richland Chambers Lake watershed. 

October 2009 looking over the spillway
 towards the Trinity River 

Chambers Creek Flood Categories

Normal flow      approx. 2.5 ft

Major Flood Stage          30 ft

Moderate Flood Stage    27 ft

Flood Stage                     24 ft

Action Stage                    22 ft

Chambers Creek Recent Crests

(1) 24.99 ft on 05/14/2014
(2) 30.16 ft on 03/21/2012
(3) 29.16 ft on 01/27/2012
(4) 27.78 ft on 09/10/2010

(5) 24.13 ft on 03/25/2010

Chambers Creek Historic Crests
(1) 32.57 ft on 12/21/1991
(2) 31.51 ft on 12/21/1997
(3) 31.24 ft on 10/20/1993
(4) 31.12 ft on 06/06/1986
(5) 30.73 ft on 05/18/1989

Here is a chart of the Richland Chambers Lake Level going back to January of 1990, (shortly after the lake opened to the public) to about the first of November 2014.
More in the next post....

What are the good deals on Richland Chambers?

What are the good deals on Richland Chambers Lake?....

Ah, the magic question.  Every buyer wants to get a good deal. Depending on what you're looking for, buyers at Richland Chambers Lake generally find them.  Waterfront homes, waterfront lots, acreage tracts and off water lots are for sale around our lake.

We are in the throws of an historic drought and the lake has been down for two years now.  (Richland Chambers lake level will come back but that is the subject of another blog installment)
So, do sellers get more motivated when the water is down?

Let me first say that seller's motivations are always on a case to case basis and each person has their own goals they are driven towards which ultimately contribute to the pricing of their home.
Any category of waterfront home listings has its standouts. To be the next one to sell in a tight market you must be the best in your category with regards to location, condition and pricing.  So as time goes by sellers may make adjustments to position themselves to be the next one to sell.

So, as a buyer what are the good deals?  How do you know?
Ask yourself two questions:
First: Do you like it?
Second:How does it compare to similar listings (in regards to location, condition and pricing)?

Here is an example of a good deal on Richland Chambers Lake:
153 Stockton Point  Sweetwater Ranch
Click for details

Location:
It is located on the Chambers arm of the lake out on a point with a south-south-westerly orientation. The home is in Sweetwater Ranch on RC Lake. Sweetwater Ranch is a very quiet neighborhood with several beautiful homes and lots of nature.
Condition: 
Inside and out, his home is move in ready.  All it needs is you to make it your own.
Pricing: 
At $363,000 this is a lot for the money. Compared to what is out there no matter what lake you're considering this is a good deal!

Richland Chambers Lake Level Oct 2014

Richland Chambers Lake Level

The last 5 years at Richland Chambers Lake have seen 3 of the 5 lowest water levels in lake history.  The lowest water level Richland Chambers has seen was in 2006 when the lake reached 11.5 ft below pool level on Dec 3rd.  The second lowest level before these last five years was in 1996 when the lake reached 7ft below pool. Through 2008 the Richland Chambers Lake level averaged about 2.9 ft below the pool level of 315. So the normal fluctuation for most of the life of the lake has been +/- 3ft.  We have been getting more frequent rain this fall only hopefully the drought that a lot of the nation has experienced will finally break for us.

Graph taken from US Lakes online

The was designed a s a rainfall lake.  The watershed is 1957 square miles and touches 6 counties. The lake has filled very rapidly in the past from record lows.  The record low in Dec of 2006 (11.5ft)  saw the lake full by the end of the following February and from 2011's low of 8.75 ft the lake filled by the second week of March 2012.  Man that was a fun summer on the water!!!

Richland Chambers will fill again and hopefully this fall and winter...

Do prices follow lake level?...Best Deal on the Lake...10-16-14

Best Deal on the Lake Alert!!!   Low lake level at Richland Chambers Lake does have  upside.... 

What can possibly be the upside to the current lake level at Richland Chambers Lake?  Well for frequent boaters you do get to get to know where the hazards are located, but besides that:

 1. When the lake comes back (and it will) there will be lots of new underwater cover for spring spawning and bait fish. So an already great fishing lake will be that much better.. and...

   2. With lots of property for sale and only a few properties selling,  some prices have fallen with the lake level.  If you are looking for a good deal on prime water front property, this is it,  lots 32 And 33 Azure Bay.

Both lots have northerly facing wide open water front with a steel retaining wall in  place and in the neighborhood of 100' of waterfront each.  They are priced at $95,000 each, which in was unheard of in years past for premium water font property.  Azure Bay is a very nice community with only site built homes and lots of wildlife.

Check it out:

Lot 33 Details Lot 32 Details

Richland Chambers Lake Level March 2014

Richland Chambers Lake Spillway

 The gates are closed and have been for a while at the damn on RC. Richland Chambers Lake level is still going the way of most Texas Lakes.  We are 7.12 feet below pool level as of March 22, 2014.  Our historic drought has seen the state's total water reserves as low as 65% in 2013 with Texas lake levels down across the state.  Not wanting to be the harbinger of bad news but we need some rain!  Richland Chambers lake level is not the product of increased demand, in fact the pump station at RC lake was shut down for a period of several weeks this winter due to pipeline construction in the area and maintenance on the pump station.  Tarrant Regional has been taking water out of the lake since day one back in 1989 and still operates one pump station on the lake. We just need rain (did I say it again?)  Julie and I have lived on Chambers Creek for over 20 years.  Our backyard has been about 150 acres of Chambers Creek bottom.  During normal conditions the creek gets out of it's banks 3-4 times a year and fills the bottom for several thousand acres.  The creek takes a few days to get back in its banks as the water makes its way downstream and the lake fills.  The same thing happens in the Richland Creek bottom as well.  When we get a good rain in the right places they open the gates at Navarro Mills Lake west of Corsicana.  Richland Creek floods and flows into Richland Chambers.
The lake will come back when we get some rain.  Check out this link:  Navarro County Rainfall History
Also get the Current Lake Level on our lake level page.  In the mean time pray for rain...

Richland Chambers Lake Level, the day after Thanksgiving 2013

Our boathouse is not the prettiest sight right now, however the water under it is a sight for sore eyes.  Today Richland Chambers is Lake at 307.79 which is 7.21 feet low, up from 304.74 on October 12, 2013, 10.26 feet low.  Three feet gained in a little over 6 weeks.  The low mark this year was the 2nd lowest the lake has been in its 24 year history.  The recent rains have now saturated the ground, filled ditches, tanks and streams and closed up all the cracks.  We have rain again in the forecast for next Thursday and Friday and we are hoping for significant amounts.  Historic graphs show the lake fills between now and the month of  March - first of April or so.  Check out the lake level at http://www.buyrclake.com/richland-chambers-lake-level.aspx.  When the lake fills we will have 8.5 ft of water under the boathouse and it will look much better.

Richland Chambers Lake Level after the rain..

We have been in the throws of an historic drought in our Great State for about 3 years or more, depending on who you listen to or what you read.  There are some 'dire' forecasts out there if you want to find them. Texas Lake Levels are at 67% capacity that much has been reported and documented.  Richland Chambers Lake Level was just about 10 feet below pool before the recent rains that fell across the State last Thursday and Friday.  I can tell you from being out and about that we were really crispy dry.

LakeSide Dreams last Friday

 The consensus on the rainfall we received at the lake is about 5".  I've heard from several Richland Chambers residents the last few days from all around the lake and that seems to be a safe estimate.  RC Lake itself came up about a quarter of a foot as a result of the about 24 hour deluge.  Though that is not much considering where we are, everything is a little bit greener and way less crispy.  This morning was cool, about 56 degrees, and the dew was very heavy, ah yes fall is just around the corner.

Launch at Oak Cove Marina on Richland Chambers Lake

Richland Chambers is almost 9.5 ft low as of today and the hot summer continues. Apart from the record low of 11.5 feet in 2006 this is the lowest the lake has ever been. There is still plenty of open water for boating out there and the place to put in is at Oak Cove Marina.

Oak Cove Marina on RC Lake is located right off of US 287 just before the bridge if your heading south east. Jerry and Roylene have taken advantage of the low water conditions to improve the boat ramp. They have done a lot of dredging, put down more rock and the ramp has 5 ft of water all the way out to the end of the cove today.

So yes you can launch your boat on Richland Chambers.

To keep up with the lake level go to: RC Lake Level