Squaw Creek Reservoir

infobox_lake
lake_name = Squaw Creek Reservoir
image_lake =
caption_lake =
type = Reservoir
location = Somervell County, Texas
coords = coord|32|19.2792|N|97|47.2920|W|type:waterbody_region:US-TX|display=inline,title
inflow = Squaw Creek
outflow = Squaw Creek
basin_countries= United States
area = 3,275 acres (13.25 km²)
volume = convert|151418|acre.ft|km3|abbr=on|lk=on
depth = 46 ft (14 m)
max-depth = 125 ft (38.1 m)
elevation = 775 ft (236 m)
shore =

Squaw Creek Reservoir is an 3,275 acre (13.3 km²) impoundment located between Glen Rose, Texas and Granbury, Texas. The primary purpose is cooling for Comanche Peak Nuclear Generating Station. During full operation of both units of Comanche Peak 2.2 million gallons of water are pumped through the plant's main condensers from Squaw Creek Reservoir. [ [http://www.txucorp.com/power/plants/comanche_peak.aspx TXU article about Comanche Peak] ]

The water is relatively clear and provides good bass fishing. The shoreline is rocky.

History

The reservoir was built by TXU for cooling for Comanche Peak in the 1970s. It was impounded in 1979 and took 2 years to fill.

Fish populations

In various years the lake has been stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, shad and walleye. [ [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/action/stock_bywater.php?WB_code=0690 Stocking History for Squaw Creek Reservoir by Texas Parks & Wildlife] ]

Recreational use

Fishing is the primary recreational activity at the reservoir.There are camping and fishing facilities at the 475 acre (1.9 km²) Squaw Creek Park across from the nuclear plant.

Location and access

Squaw Creek Reservoir is located at coord|32|19|17|N|97|47|05|W|city (32.32132, -97.7882)GR|1 near Glen Rose. It is accessed off State Highway 144.

The reservoir is managed by TXU and has been closed to the public since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Access to the reservoir was previously allowed via Squaw Creek Park.

Controversy over public access

There have been several attempts in recent years to get the lake re-opened to the public by anglers as well as recreational boaters. [ [http://www.opensquawcreek.com/ Open squaw creek website] ] On February 26, 2007 TXU agreed to an estimated 45 billion dollar buyout by a group of private equity firms led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company and Texas Pacific Group. This buyout has rekindled hopes the reservoir will one day be re-opened to the public.

References