After a week of heavy rain, the lake across the Metroplex is exceeding capacity, poses a risk of flooding and threatens some homes.
Experts say it could be positive as the region is heading towards summer despite the pressing risks from high water.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say all reservoirs in the Fort Worth area are beyond their capabilities, including Lake Worth, which has been closed since Saturday for water.
“Sometimes, just a few inches, the water levels go a few inches below some homes,” said Zach Huff, director of Water Resources Engineering for the Tarrant Regional Water District.
At Marian Nichols’ home on Grapevine Lake, heavy rains and high waters have collapsed parts of their backyard this week, causing sidewalks to crash into the lake and leaving the cliffs behind.
“As you can say, it’s already eating a part of the hill, it’s very dangerous,” Nichols said. “If you realize that the house isn’t too far from here, it scares me a lot.”
Nichols said over the past decade, water levels have been preying on her fortune and must pay more than $100,000 to build conservation measures for the lake.
“It’s just that I see it happening and it’s scary,” Nichols said. “You can’t use your backyard very often.”
TRWD told NBC 5 they have not seen widespread flood damage from the storm. These high lake levels are ultimately good for northern Texas.
“It’s great to get into the summer at full levels as water levels will reduce those hot times and high demand,” Huff said.
Still, some people who see the effects of rising lake levels are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take more action to protect their property.
“It’s just that’s not right,” Nichols said. “I need help with this.”
NBC 5 contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to respond to concerns from people living in Lake Grapevine. I’m waiting for a reply.
