Wright Patman Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wright Patman Lake |
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Location | Bowie / Cass counties, Texas, United States |
Coordinates | 33°18′17″N 94°09′36″W / 33.30472°N 94.16000°W |
Type | Flood control reservoir |
Primary inflows | Sulphur River |
Primary outflows | Sulphur River |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 20,300 acres (8,200 ha) |
Max. depth | 34.6 ft (10.5 m) |
Water volume | 158,000 acre⋅ft (0.195 km3) |
Surface elevation | 220.6 ft (67.2 m) |
Wright Patman Lake is a large lake in northeast Texas, United States. It is a special type of lake called a reservoir. This means it was created by building a dam across the Sulphur River. The lake helps control floods and saves water for communities nearby. It is also a popular spot for outdoor fun and activities. The lake is located in Bowie and Cass counties.
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Where is Wright Patman Lake?
Wright Patman Lake is located where Bowie County and Cass County meet in Texas. Its center is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Texarkana, Texas. It is also about 148 miles (238 km) east of Dallas. Small towns close to the lake include Redwater, Maud, and Douglassville, Texas.
The lake gets most of its water from the Sulphur River. However, several smaller creeks also flow into it. The normal water level of the lake is about 220.6 feet (67.2 meters) above sea level.
How Wright Patman Lake Was Made
Wright Patman Lake and its dam were planned as part of a law called the Flood Control Act of 1946. This law helped protect areas from floods. The lake was first called Texarkana Reservoir. Later, its name was changed to Lake Texarkana.
Building the dam started in 1948. The lake began to fill with water in 1953. In 1973, the lake and dam were renamed to honor Wright Patman. He was a important Congressman from Texas.
Protecting Against Floods
Wright Patman Lake plays a big role in stopping floods. It protects areas downstream along the Sulphur River and the Red River. The lake can hold a huge amount of flood water. It can store about 2,406,000 acre-feet (2.968 km³) of water. This is the space between its normal water level and its spillway level.
Fun Activities at the Lake
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages nine parks around Wright Patman Lake. These parks offer many ways to enjoy the lake. You can go boating, swimming, and fishing. The parks also have places for camping, picnicking, and hiking. There are even trails for horseback riding. Atlanta State Park is another park located on the south side of the lake.
- Wright Patman Lake from the Handbook of Texas Online