E.V. Spence Reservoir

E.V. Spence Reservoir (also known as Lake E.V. Spence) is an artificial lake located west of (and upstream from) the town of Robert Lee, Texas. The reservoir was impounded by the creation of Robert Lee Dam in 1969, with the support of the Upper Colorado River Authority, to provide a reliable water supply for Robert Lee and the surrounding communities in Coke County. The lake also serves as a recreational venue for fishing, boating, and swimming. Robert Lee Dam is managed by the Colorado River Municipal Water District.[1]

E.V. Spence Reservoir
E.V. Spence Reservoir, facing northeast, January 2009
Location of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, USA.
E.V. Spence Reservoir
Location of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, USA.
E.V. Spence Reservoir
LocationCoke County, near Robert Lee, Texas
Coordinates31°54′30″N 100°32′07″W
Primary inflowsColorado River
Primary outflowsColorado River
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area14,950 acres (6,050 ha)[1]
Max. depth108 ft (33 m)[2]
Water volume488,750 acre⋅ft (602,860,000 m3)[1]
Surface elevation1,898 ft (579 m)[2]

Fish populations

E.V. Spence Reservoir has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in the lake include striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish.[2]

Severe drought

In July 2011, the reservoir's level had sunk to less than 0.76% full — effectively dry. Severe drought conditions and record summer high temperatures in the area caused the Colorado River Municipal Water District to stop any further water withdrawals from Midland, Texas and surrounding communities. If the reservoir empties, the formerly reliable water source from the reservoir will need to be supplanted by trucking in water from other sources to supply the town of Robert Lee.[3]

By September 2012, the lake reached its lowest level of 0.19% full, less than 1,000 acre-feet of storage, and an elevation of 1810.14 ft above datum, which was 87.86 feet below full.[4] The lake would recover rapidly to nearly 6% capacity after a major rain event in September 2012. As of May 2015, the lake was 4.4% of capacity, up from 2% in May 2014.[5] As of August 2, 2019, the lake was at 30.5% capacity.[6]

References
  1. Handbook of Texas Online (2009). "Coke County". Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  2. Texas Parks and Wildlife (2009). "Lake E. V. Spence". Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  3. Dry reservoir leaves Robert Lee with few options, unsure future, John Boyd, Mywesttexas.com, Midland Reporter-Telegram, July 23, 2011.
  4. "Colorado River Municipal Water District Website" (PDF). www.h2owesttexas.org. 2012-09-24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-07.
  5. "Water Data For Texas". www.waterdatafortexas.org.
  6. "Lake Levels". CRMWD.ORG.



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