June 4, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
Thanks to consistent rain throughout the state, lake levels have seen an increase when compared to the start of the summer season a year ago.
However, some lake levels on the west side of the state, a still slightly below average.
According to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Foss Lake Reservoir in western Custer County is reported to be between 80% – 89% capacity, which is two and a half feet below normal pool elevation. Lake Lugert in south west Oklahoma is 19 feet below normal pool elevation, while Lake Tom Steed is over 2 feet below normal elevation.
However the further east you go, lake levels appear normal – if not above level.
Ft. Cobb is one foot up, and Canton Lake is at capacity (no more, no less).
Other popular lakes across the state are fairing well too. Texoma is two feet up, Eufaula is 3 feet up, Grand Lake is 1 foot up, and Broken Bow is 14 feet up.
But why the decrease in western Oklahoma?
Even though the area has seen substantial rainfall this past spring, with cooler than normal temperatures, drought conditions continue to linger in parts of western and southwest Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, portions of Custer, Dewey, and Washita County are still described as being “abnormally dry”, while Greer County and Jackson County are rated at being “moderately dry”.
Ironically central Caddo County – where Ft. Cobb Lake is located – is rated at being in a “severe” drought.
