Richland Chambers Lake

General Lake Information:

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Where is Richland Chambers Lake located?

   Richland Chambers Lake is situated in Southeastern Navarro County, extending into Northern Freestone County. Corsicana serves as the closest major town, located approximately 20 to 30 minutes away from most areas around the lake. The lake's geography forms a Y shape, accessible about 15 miles down US 287 from I45 to the bridge at the center of the lake area.

What are the dimensions of Richland Chambers Lake?

 Richland Chambers Lake ranks as the third-largest lake within Texas' borders. At full pool, it spans 44,000 surface acres, sitting at 315 feet above mean sea level, and boasts 330 miles of shoreline. With a water level 2 feet above full, at 317 feet above mean sea level, the reservoir encompasses a surface area of 45,500 acres.

When was Richland Chambers constructed?
Construction of the dam commenced in October 1982. Following a significant drought in the 1950s, plans for the Richland-Chambers Reservoir were laid out by the Tarrant Regional Water District. However, concrete actions were taken in October 1979, when the water district issued $342.75 million in revenue bonds for construction. The deliberate impoundment of water started on July 14, 1987. The reservoir's completion occurred in November 1987, with the lake filling by May 1989. On November 12, 1988, TRWD initiated water pumping to Lake Benbrook, serving the Tarrant County area.

Who governs Richland Chambers Lake?

The governing authority for Richland Chambers Lake is the Tarrant Regional Water District. TRWD is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the reservoir. Detailed information can be found on their website at TRWD.com. Richland Chambers Lake is among the lakes owned by the Tarrant Regional Water District, including Lake Bridgeport, Cedar Creek Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Richland Chambers Lake. TRWD also stores water in Lake Arlington, Lake Benbrook, and Lake Worth.

How does Richland Chambers differ from an Army Corps of Engineers Lake?

Richland Chambers Lake, owned by the Tarrant Regional Water District, operates independently of direct governance by the Army Corps of Engineers. The primary distinction lies in property ownership boundaries. On Richland Chambers Lake, ownership extends to the 315' line (also referred to as the 'Pool Level' or 'Conservation Level'), meaning that when the lake is at full capacity, property owners own up to the water's edge. Conversely, on Corps Lakes, an easement exists between property lines and the water, often extending 100 feet or more.

Richland Chambers Lake Level Information

What are the lake levels at Richland Chambers?

     - Full Pool: 315' above mean sea level (Conservation Level)

     - 100-year Flood Level: 318" above mean sea level

     - TRWD’s Flood Easement (build line): 320' above mean sea level

Where does Richland Chambers source its water?

 Richland Chambers Lake forms at the confluence of Richland Creek and Chambers Creek. The lake's drainage area, covering 1957 square miles across 6 counties, includes smaller creeks and two Corps of Engineers Lakes.

Is Richland Chambers a constant level lake?

 No, Richland Chambers Lake experiences fluctuations in accordance with North Texas' natural cycle of dry and rainy seasons. On average, the fluctuation is approximately +/- 3.5 feet per year, with lows typically occurring in December and January, followed by filling in late winter and spring.

Does Richland Chambers Flood?
Richland Chambers Lake reaches its full capacity at the 315' elevation mark. Tarrant Regional Water District enforces a flood easement up to 320’ elevation, also serving as the build line. Richland Chambers contributes to a broader flood control area, alongside two Corps of Engineers Lakes: Lake Bardwell to the Northwest on Chambers Creek and Navarro Mills Lake to the west, which serves as the headwaters of Richland Creek.

How high does the water rise before going over the dam?

Richland Chambers Lake's dam, spanning 8 miles, features a 960-foot spillway with 24 gates for water release into the Trinity River when necessary. The dam, an earthen structure with a concrete upstream face, stands at a maximum height of 120’. Although the dam's top reaches 330' above mean sea level, the water has never overflowed the dam. The spillway, positioned at 290' above mean sea level, is regulated by 24 gates, with a maximum height of 325' above mean sea level.

What are the highest and lowest water levels recorded at Richland Chambers?

    - Highest: On October 24, 2015, the lake reached 317.42’, exceeding full capacity by 2.42’.

    - Lowest: During the drought of 2004-2006, the lake dropped to 303.59’, marking an 11.41’ deficit. Subsequently, the lake returned to normal levels until the historic drought of 2011-2015, during which it dropped nearly 10.5’ below normal.

Does Richland Chambers ever flood?

Richland Chambers Lake has never surpassed its flood stage of 320’. Even during the significant rainfall in 2015, the lake peaked at 2.42’ above full capacity. Hence, flood insurance isn't mandatory for properties on Richland Chambers Lake.

Where can I find property unaffected by fluctuating water levels?

Rather than focusing on a specific area of the lake, it's crucial to consider the water depth in front of a property and at the boat house location. While certain areas near creek mouths might be exceptions, water depth varies across subdivisions. Consulting a local expert familiar with the lake is advisable for property selection.

Building on Richland Chambers Lake:

How close can I build to the water?

The proximity to the water for building depends on where the 320' line falls on your property. When considering purchasing property on Richland Chambers, it's essential to be aware of the location of the 320' line.

Is there a time limit to build?

    There are no time limits for building on Richland Chambers. None of the several dozen subdivisions on the lake impose a time limit within which you must build. You can proceed to build your boathouse first, utilize and enjoy it before constructing a home, or even if you choose not to build a home at all.

Are there building restrictions?

Yes, building restrictions exist. Navarro County has zoned an area covering 5000 ft from the shore of the lake with the "Navarro County Lakeshore Area Improvement Zoning Ordinance," governing development in the lake area. Additionally, the majority of properties on the lake are in subdivisions and are subject to the subdivisions' Deed Restrictions.

What about a Boat House?

    TRWD permits boathouse construction. The size of your boathouse footprint depends on the linear feet of shoreline your property has. The formula for calculation can be found at http://trwd.com/RichlandChambers.

How far out can my boathouse go?

    The extent to which your boathouse can extend depends on the individual lot. Various factors, including the presence of neighboring boathouses, water depth, cove width, among others, influence this. Consulting a local boathouse contractor can help you understand the possibilities for construction on a piece of property you may be considering.

Do I need a retaining wall?

The necessity for a retaining wall depends on the shoreline of individual property and personal preferences. Retaining walls on Richland Chambers are constructed from various materials such as rip rap, treated timbers, concrete, and steel panels. Driven steel panels are the most common type seen on the lake. Many property owners opt to construct a sidewalk along the top of the wall, enhancing shoreline aesthetics and preventing erosion and wall failure. Local boathouse contractors typically offer retaining wall construction services, as similar equipment is used for boathouse construction.

What is a boat slip lot?

    A boat slip lot is a property in The Shores on Richland Chambers that includes a lifetime lease for a slip in the Marina at The Shores. The Shores features a private marina adjacent to the clubhouse facilities. Some lot owners purchase a lifetime license for an individual slip when acquiring their lot. Boat Slip Licenses in The Shores Marina are exclusively held by property owners in The Shores.

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