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Lake Buchanan (Texas): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 30°45.11′N 98°25.12′W / 30.75183°N 98.41867°W / 30.75183; -98.41867
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{{short description|Man-made lake in Texas, United States}}
{{infobox lake
{{Infobox body of water
|lake_name = Lake Buchanan
|name = Lake Buchanan
|image_lake = Lake_buchanan_texas_0001.jpg
|image = Lake Buchanan (Texas) 29 Oct 2011.jpg
⚫
|type = [[Hydroelectricity|Hydroelectric]] [[reservoir]]
|caption = [[Landsat 5]] image of Lake Buchanan in October 2011
|caption_lake = Undeveloped shoreline
|location = [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet]] / [[Llano County, Texas|Llano]] counties, [[Texas|Texas, USA]]
|location = [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet]] / [[Llano County, Texas|Llano]] counties, [[Texas|Texas, USA]]
⚫
|coords = {{coord|30|45.11|N|98|25.12|W|type:waterbody_region:US-TX|display=inline,title}}
|basin_countries= United States
⚫
|type = [[Hydroelectricity|Hydroelectric]] [[reservoir]]
⚫
|coords = {{coord|30|45.11|N|98|25.12|W|type:waterbody_region:US-TX|display=inline,title}}
|inflow = [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]
|inflow = [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]
|outflow = [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]
|outflow = [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]
|agency = [[Lower Colorado River Authority]]
⚫
|area = {{convert|22333|acre|sqmi km2|1|abbr=on}}
|date-flooded = 1939
⚫
|volume = {{convert|875566|acre.ft|km3|abbr=on|lk=in}}
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|area = {{convert|22333|acre|sqmi km2|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
|depth =
|max-depth = {{convert|132|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|max-depth = {{convert|132|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|elevation = {{convert|1020|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|volume = {{convert|875566|acre.ft|km3|abbr=on|lk=in}}
⚫
|elevation = {{convert|1020|ft|m|abbr=on}}
<!-- Map -->
| pushpin_map = Texas#USA
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Lake Buchanan in Texas, USA.
| pushpin_map_caption =
<!-- Below -->
| website =
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| reference =
}}
}}

'''Lake Buchanan''' was formed by the construction of [[Buchanan Dam]] by the [[Lower Colorado River Authority]] to provide a water supply for the region and to provide [[hydroelectric power]]. Buchanan Dam, a structure over 2&nbsp;mi (3.2&nbsp;km) in length, was completed in 1939. Lake Buchanan was the first of the [[Texas Highland Lakes]] to be formed, and with {{convert|22333|acre|sqmi km2|1|abbr=on}} of surface water, it is also the largest. The surface of the lake includes area in both [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet County]] and [[Llano County, Texas|Llano County]]. The lake is west of the city of [[Burnet, Texas]].
'''Lake Buchanan''' ({{IPAc-en|b|@|'|k|æ|n|@|n}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/PronunWeb.pdf |title=Texas Almanac Pronunciation Guide |work=Texas Almanac |publisher=[[Texas State Historical Association]] |accessdate=2015-08-09 |quote=Buchanan Dam — buhk <u>hăn</u> uhn DĂM |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724073644/http://texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/PronunWeb.pdf |archivedate=2015-07-24 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.texasoutside.com/pronounce.htm Highland Lakes "Pronunciation" Guide]</ref>) was formed by the construction of [[Buchanan Dam]] by the [[Lower Colorado River Authority]] to provide a water supply for the region and to provide [[hydroelectric power]]. Buchanan Dam, a structure over 2&nbsp;mi (3.2&nbsp;km) in length, was completed in 1939. Lake Buchanan was the first of the [[Texas Highland Lakes]] to be formed, and with {{convert|22333|acre|sqmi km2|1|abbr=on}} of surface water, it is also the largest. The surface of the lake includes area in both [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet]] and [[Llano County, Texas|Llano]] Counties. The lake is west of the city of [[Burnet, Texas]].


The other reservoirs on the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] are [[Inks Lake]], [[Lake LBJ]], [[Lake Marble Falls]], [[Lake Travis]], [[Lake Austin]], and [[Lady Bird Lake]].
The other reservoirs on the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] are [[Inks Lake]], [[Lake LBJ]], [[Lake Marble Falls]], [[Lake Travis]], [[Lake Austin]], and [[Lady Bird Lake]].


The lake is named for Representative [[James P. Buchanan]] (1867–1937) who is credited with securing the funding to build the lake and dam.
The lake is named for Representative [[James P. Buchanan]] (1867–1937), who is credited with securing the funding to build the lake and dam.

==History==
[[File:Texas - Brownwood through Chisos Mountains - NARA - 68149087 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Lake Buchanan in 1940]]
{{Needs more sources|section|date=November 2023}}
Lake Buchanan was artificially created upon the completion of the adjacent Buchanan Dam in 1938. Work on the dam itself began in April&nbsp;1931, but was suspended a year later. Work resumed in 1935, with the dam completed three years later. However, deliberate impounding of the reservoir began in May&nbsp;1937. Initially, the dam and resulting reservoir project was known as Hamilton Dam and Reservoir, but its name was changed to honor Texas Congressman James P. Buchanan upon the completion of the project;<ref name="TSHA">{{cite web|title=Lake Buchanan|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rol20|work=The Handbook of Texas Online|publisher=Texas State Historical Association|accessdate=14 August 2013|author=Breeding, Seth D.}}</ref> Buchanan had been responsible for securing federal funding for the project.<ref name="TheHighlandLakesBurnet">{{cite web|title=Lake Buchanan - A Gorgeous Hill Country Vacation Destination|url=http://www.thehighlandlakes.org/default.aspx?name=ws.lake_buchanan|publisher=Burnet County Tourism|accessdate=14 August 2013|author=The Highland Lakes of Burnet County|location=Burnet, Texas}}</ref> The flooding of the lake forced the community of [[Bluffton, Texas|Bluffton]] to relocate {{convert|5|mi|km|abbr=on}} westward. The abandoned community was soon inundated; however, a [[drought]] in 2011 caused Lake Buchanan's water level to drop significantly, exposing the remains of the town.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/depleted-texas-lakes-expose-ghost-towns-graves/ |title=Depleted Texas lakes expose ghost towns, graves - CBS News |website=www.cbsnews.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310043309/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/depleted-texas-lakes-expose-ghost-towns-graves/ |archive-date=10 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Fish and wildlife populations==
==Fish and wildlife populations==
Lake Buchanan has been stocked with several species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Buchanan include [[largemouth bass]], [[catfish]], [[white bass]], and [[striped bass]]. Lake Buchanan is a level-controlled reservoir, and will not be allowed to flood during periods of heavy rain. The lake level can, however, drop significantly during periods of drought.<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57328356/depleted-texas-lakes-expose-ghost-towns-graves/?tag=stack</ref>
Lake Buchanan has been stocked with several species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Buchanan include [[largemouth bass]], [[catfish]], [[white bass]], and [[striped bass]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} Lake Buchanan is a level-controlled reservoir, and will not be allowed to flood during periods of heavy rain. The lake level can, however, drop significantly during periods of drought.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/>


==Recreational uses==
==Recreational uses==
Much of the property bordering Lake Buchanan is privately owned. Many lakeside cottages and homes are rented out on a regular basis. The Lower Colorado River Authority maintains three parks on the lake: Cedar Point Recreation Area, Black Rock Park, and Canyon of the Eagles. County parks and private marinas offer boating access to the lake. Fall Creek Winery, the oldest [[winery]] in the [[Texas Hill Country]], is located at the confluence of Fall Creek and Lake Buchanan.
Much of the property bordering Lake Buchanan is privately owned. Many lakeside cottages and homes are rented out on a regular basis.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} The Lower Colorado River Authority maintains three parks on the lake: Cedar Point Recreation Area, Black Rock Park, and Canyon of the Eagles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lake Buchanan Access |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/buchanan/access.phtml |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref> County parks and private [[Marina|marinas]] offer boating access to the lake. Fall Creek Winery, the oldest [[winery]] in the [[Texas Hill Country]], is located near the confluence of Fall Creek and Lake Buchanan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pack |first=M. M. |date=2012-12-14 |title=Texas wines and the French connection |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/food/2012-12-14/thirty-years-of-texas-wine/ |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=www.austinchronicle.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{commonscat|Lake Buchanan (Texas)}}
*[http://www.thehighlandlakes.org/default.aspx?name=ws.lake_buchanan Lake Buchanan]
*[http://www.thehighlandlakes.org/default.aspx?name=ws.lake_buchanan Lake Buchanan]
*[http://www.lcra.org/water/buchanan.html Official Lake Buchanan website]
*[http://www.lcra.org/water/dams/buchanan.html Lake Buchanan website]
* {{Handbook of Texas|id=LL/rol20|name=Lake Buchanan}}
* {{Handbook of Texas|id=rol20|name=Lake Buchanan}}
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/buchanan/ Lake Buchanan - Texas Parks & Wildlife]
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/buchanan/ Lake Buchanan - Texas Parks & Wildlife]
*[http://www.lake-buchanan.net/ Lake Buchanan Visitors Guide]
*[http://www.lake-buchanan.net/ Lake Buchanan Visitors Guide]
*[http://www.canyonoftheeagles.com Canyon of the Eagles Park and Lodge]
*[http://www.canyonoftheeagles.com Canyon of the Eagles Park and Lodge]
*{{gnis|1377210|Buchanan Lake}}
*{{gnis|1377210|Buchanan Lake}}

{{Texaslakes}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Buchanan, Lake}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Buchanan, Lake}}
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[[Category:Protected areas of Burnet County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Burnet County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Llano County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Llano County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Burnet County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]

[[Category:Bodies of water of Llano County, Texas|Lake Buchanan]]

[[Category:1938 establishments in Texas]]
{{llanoTX-geo-stub}}
[[Category:Lower Colorado River Authority]]
{{BurnetTX-geo-stub}}

[[de:Lake Buchanan]]
[[eo:Buchanan]]
[[fr:Lac Buchanan]]
⚫
[[it:Lago Buchanan (Texas)]]

Latest revision as of 17:29, 3 June 2024

Lake Buchanan
Landsat 5 image of Lake Buchanan in October 2011
Location of Lake Buchanan in Texas, USA.
Location of Lake Buchanan in Texas, USA.
Lake Buchanan
Location of Lake Buchanan in Texas, USA.
Location of Lake Buchanan in Texas, USA.
Lake Buchanan
LocationBurnet / Llano counties, Texas, USA
Coordinates30°45.11′N 98°25.12′W / 30.75183°N 98.41867°W / 30.75183; -98.41867
TypeHydroelectric reservoir
Primary inflowsColorado River
Primary outflowsColorado River
Managing agencyLower Colorado River Authority
First flooded1939
Surface area22,333 acres (34.9 sq mi; 90.4 km2)
Max. depth132 ft (40 m)
Water volume875,566 acre⋅ft (1.079995 km3)
Surface elevation1,020 ft (310 m)

Lake Buchanan (/bəˈkænən/[1][2]) was formed by the construction of Buchanan Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority to provide a water supply for the region and to provide hydroelectric power. Buchanan Dam, a structure over 2 mi (3.2 km) in length, was completed in 1939. Lake Buchanan was the first of the Texas Highland Lakes to be formed, and with 22,333 acres (34.9 sq mi; 90.4 km2) of surface water, it is also the largest. The surface of the lake includes area in both Burnet and Llano Counties. The lake is west of the city of Burnet, Texas.

The other reservoirs on the Colorado River are Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake.

The lake is named for Representative James P. Buchanan (1867–1937), who is credited with securing the funding to build the lake and dam.

History

[edit]
Lake Buchanan in 1940

Lake Buchanan was artificially created upon the completion of the adjacent Buchanan Dam in 1938. Work on the dam itself began in April 1931, but was suspended a year later. Work resumed in 1935, with the dam completed three years later. However, deliberate impounding of the reservoir began in May 1937. Initially, the dam and resulting reservoir project was known as Hamilton Dam and Reservoir, but its name was changed to honor Texas Congressman James P. Buchanan upon the completion of the project;[3] Buchanan had been responsible for securing federal funding for the project.[4] The flooding of the lake forced the community of Bluffton to relocate 5 mi (8.0 km) westward. The abandoned community was soon inundated; however, a drought in 2011 caused Lake Buchanan's water level to drop significantly, exposing the remains of the town.[5]

Fish and wildlife populations

[edit]

Lake Buchanan has been stocked with several species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Buchanan include largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, and striped bass.[citation needed] Lake Buchanan is a level-controlled reservoir, and will not be allowed to flood during periods of heavy rain. The lake level can, however, drop significantly during periods of drought.[5]

Recreational uses

[edit]

Much of the property bordering Lake Buchanan is privately owned. Many lakeside cottages and homes are rented out on a regular basis.[citation needed] The Lower Colorado River Authority maintains three parks on the lake: Cedar Point Recreation Area, Black Rock Park, and Canyon of the Eagles.[6] County parks and private marinas offer boating access to the lake. Fall Creek Winery, the oldest winery in the Texas Hill Country, is located near the confluence of Fall Creek and Lake Buchanan.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Texas Almanac Pronunciation Guide" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-07-24. Retrieved 2015-08-09. Buchanan Dam — buhk hăn uhn DĂM
  2. ^ Highland Lakes "Pronunciation" Guide
  3. ^ Breeding, Seth D. "Lake Buchanan". The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  4. ^ The Highland Lakes of Burnet County. "Lake Buchanan - A Gorgeous Hill Country Vacation Destination". Burnet, Texas: Burnet County Tourism. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  5. ^ a b "Depleted Texas lakes expose ghost towns, graves - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Lake Buchanan Access". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  7. ^ Pack, M. M. (2012-12-14). "Texas wines and the French connection". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
[edit]
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