Over the years, Lake Conroe region, that’s located 45 miles away from Houston city, has become one of the best destination centres for jet skiing and other outdoor activities. Exquisite hotels, comfortable condominiums, and great weather are some of the reasons visitors keep coming back. Coupled with mushrooming neighbourhoods like the Grand Harbor, Corinthian Point and Del Lago.
The lake gets most of its water supply from the San Jacinto River and has 5000 acres of its water masses in the Sam Houston National Forest. Besides being a backup water source in Houston. The lake has provided drinking water for Montgomery County since 2015 by offering supplemental groundwater sources. Below, discuss the depth of Lake Conroe and everything you need to know about the region and its surroundings.
How Deep is Lake Conroe in Texas?
Lake Conroe has an average depth of 20 feet and holds a 70 feet depth at the river channel. On 28th August 2017, it had its highest level in history at 206.24. Which is 1.06 higher compared to a previous record held on 19th October in 1994. Further, the lowest level of the lake in history is 192.68. Held on 2nd December in the year 2011, with a previous low record of 196.02 on 12th January 1989. The lake has a flow easement of 207 feet above sea level, which is essential in case of flooding. A full release of 79 141 cubic feet per second that was experienced on 28th August 2017.
The San Jacinto River Authority claims that Lake Conroe in Texas. Which is 201 feet above mean sea level, can contain up to 430,000 acres of water. In spite of its name, Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery are the cities that the lake crosses, with Conroe holding a larger share of the lake. A few miles northwest of Conroe, it is a 21,000-acre body of water. This lake is 6 miles wide and 26 miles long and is famous for activities such as jet skiing, boating and fishing.
Is Lake Conroe a lake that was made by people?
Yes, Lake Conroe is an artificial lake that was built in 1973 in a quest to curb future water shortage after the drought that hit Houston and the surrounding in the 1950s. This project was a collaboration between the Texas Water Department. The San Jacinto River Authority to ensure a backup water solution for its residents.
The lake was designed by Nicholas, Freese and Endress Engineering Inc., with Zachary Company as the lead contractor. It consists of a dam with four outlet structures comprised of a single service spillway, two concrete outlets, and a single service outlet. The service spillway features five gates and is 40 feet wide by 30 feet high. During floods, the service spillway is crucial. In contrast, three valves at the service exit permit water to flow downstream to Houston Lake. It is two and a half miles wide and 212 feet above mean sea level.
In 2017, the dam had its highest gate opening in its history at 14 feet per gate compared to the previous record experienced in 1994 T six feet. In 1968, the Lake Conroe project began and ended in 1973, after which it was filled with water within nine months. Made possible by the presence of the San Jacinto River that empties into it. The SJRA, which worked with the City of Houston to secure the lake’s water rights, is in charge of managing the projects. Apart from this lake, many other reservoirs were established in Texas after the historic drought in the 1950s with the same agenda.
The San Jacinto River Authority takes charge of developing. Conserving the water resources in the San Jacinto Region, including the Conroe River that cuts across seven counties. Besides, it spearheads 27 canal systems that provide water for drinking and industrial use to clients.
Attractions Around Lake Conroe
Apart from the lake, other features make the region attractive to visitors, such as:
Sam Houston National Forest
This is one of the four forests in Texas found in the northern part of Huston. The summers here are hot and muggy, and the winters are mild and brief. Walker, Montgomery, and San Jacinto are the three counties it crosses. It operates on the multiple-use management concept that allows visitors to explore its benefits without causing any harm to plants, animals and natural resources. Therefore, it consists of various trails that you must be aware of prior to visiting to ensure that you keep up with the laws.
The Atakapa group who became extinct in the early 1800 were the indigenous people in the region, mainly hunters and gatherers. According to research, disease and the European settlers caused their extinction.
Hiking is a popular recreational activity in this forest since it has a 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. This trail may be explored throughout the year, but winter and spring are favourable seasons because of the mild climate. The forest also has camping grounds such as the Double Lake, Cagle and Stubblefield Recreation Areas. For instance, the Stubblefield Recreation Area has been operational since 1937. And offers adventurous experiences like fishing, canoeing, picnicking, hiking and camping. It also provides amenities such as camping trailers, lantern posts, barbeque grills, drinking water, showers. Flush toilets that allow you a comfortable experience even while in the forest.
Wineries
It also has numerous award-winning wineries in the surrounding districts, where some have extensive vineyard properties while others are adorned with exquisite wine-tasting rooms. Besides, some also hold event spaces that can be rented for events such as weddings or evening dinners. Also, the region is equipped with several wine bars for bar lovers. Some wineries in the area include DeepRoots Vineyards, West Sandy Creek Winery and Golden Oak Micro Cellar.
Golf Courses
The Lake Conroe region is also known for golf courses that offer unique lake views surrounded by the conspicuous pine trees that make it more attractive. For instance, the Walden course is located in the southern part of the lake. Offers membership to both residents and non-residents. It’s a premier course that is ranked 5th in the state, according to Golf Digest.
Others include The Bentwater Course and Margaritaville Course.
The weather around Lake Conroe Lake
According to the San Jacinto River Authority, the Conroe Lake region receives an average of 48 inches of annual rainfall. It has an evaporation rate of about 180 million gallons every day and experiences short but cold winters and extremely hot summers. May receives the highest amount of rainfall, while July gets the least. In hindsight, the place is wet and partly cloudy throughout the year. According to the tourism score, warm weather activities in the area are well enjoyed between April. Early June and from mid-September to late October.
The average water temperature at Conroe Lake has extreme variations throughout the year. 1st June to 30th September record the warmest water temperatures with an average of over 27 degrees Celsius, while the warmest waters in the region can be experienced in August, which has an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, cooler waters are experienced from 10th December to 17th March with temperatures of less than 18 degrees Celsius, whereas January has the coolest water temperature of below 15 degrees Celsius.
Things to Do at Lake Conroe
One of the major activities at the lake is fishing with the largemouth bass as the famous fish species. This particular species is easily caught at the boat docks and the marinas, more so during the spring season. Other fish species include the channel catfish, bowfin, carp, blue catfish, crappie, bluegills and catfish, primarily found in the lake’s deep waters. There is also swimming, preferably at Lake Conroe Park, and various playgrounds, such as a volleyball court.
Another popular activity in the region is boating which offers a range of exhilarating boating amusements such as jet skiing, boat riding and kayaking throughout the year. One can either bring their own boats or choose to rent from the available boat rentals. There are also wineries equipped with wine-tasting rooms for wine lovers and fabulous restaurants with scenic views that provide lake-side dining. Other activities include hiking at the San Houston National Forest, biking and golfing. Only an hour away from the city, the lake region has exponentially grown, attracting crowds that desire a suburban environment.
Precautions to take at Lake Conroe Lake
As much as the lake has become one of the busiest destination centres, the lake is also among the most dangerous lakes to visit. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, between 2010 and 2020, there were 26 drownings and other boat-related accidents. The mishaps are attributed to a high number of boats at the Conroe Lake of up to 2000 boats ago, especially during the weekends and holidays. Which resulted in many collisions. Also, overlooking the safety precautions put in place also increases the dangers at the lake.
As per research, 85% of the victims of the boat mishaps did not wear safety gear like life jackets, which contributed to their deaths. Followed by alcohol, more so by the drunk drivers. Another factor is overspeeding, which makes the drivers oblivious to the swimmers, leading to clashes. Also, the increase in the number of visitors is a contributing factor since they are not acquainted with the rules. Visitors are encouraged to wear safety gear, avoid alcohol when driving, avoid speeding, and observe the safety precautions. However, some officials constantly patrol the area to conduct safety checks.
Plants and Animals Around Lake Conroe
The lake is known for fishing activities and hosts various fish species such as the largemouth bass, blue catfish, and crappie fish. Grass carp is one of the native plants popular around Lake Conroe. It was introduced to aid in eliminating hydrilla, a type of aquatic vegetation that infested the lake after it had been filled. You can also find animals in the nearby national forest, where deer is the most common. Followed by squirrels, doves, and quails.
Additionally, endangered bird species like the bald eagle, which can be seen perched atop trees near lakes or shorelines, can be found in the forest. The red-cockaded woodpecker is another prevalent endangered species in the woodland.
Final Thoughts
Lake Conroe in Texas was built to ensure that the residents of Houston. Its surroundings have a continuous water supply, more so in the event of drought. Even so, its presence has boosted the region, making it one of the ideal places to visit, whether for relaxation or exhilarating adventures. Since it is only an hour away from the city, it makes it perfect even for commuters. However, fun activities like boating and skiing may become dangerous because of speeding or drunk driving. Being aware of the safety precautions is an added advantage.
