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Article

Introduction

Lake Lavon is a man-made reservoir located in Collin County, Texas, created by the impoundment of the East fork of the Trinity River in 1953. The lake is federally owned and managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers . it serves as a key resource for flood control, water supply, and recerational activites. Lake Lavon is located near three cites: Wylie, Texas (population 61,078, Murphy, Texas (population 20,920), and Princeton, Texas (population 28,027). Located in North Texas, the region experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters

Hydrology

Lake Lavon was created by impounding the East Fork of the Trinity River, a primary tributary to lake is the Arkansas River. The lake's outflow is directed through Lake Fork Creek. It has an average depth of 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) and a maximum depth of 12 meters (39.4 feet). Covering a surface area of approximately 21,000 acres (8,660 hectares) or 86.6 square kilometers, the lake's shoreline stretches approximately 83 miles (134 kilometers). With a total storage capacity of 748,200 acre-feet (245 billion gallons) of water, the lake sits at an elevation of 492 feet (150 meters). It is designed to provide flood protection with a 35-year recurrence interval. Additionally, the reservoir experiences significant sediment accumulation, particularly near the dam and on the western side of the lake.

Physicochemical Characteristics

Lake Lavon is classified as an eutrophic water body, meaning it is rich in nutrients and supports high levels of biological productivity. The water's salinity is measured at 286 µS/cm, indicating low levels of dissolved salts. However, the lake experiences high turbidity, resulting in murky water. As part of ongoing environmental monitoring efforts, Lake Lavon is included in the North Texas Municipal Water District's water monitoring program, ensuring that its water quality is regularly assessed to support both ecological health and regional water management goals.

Ecoregion

the reservoir is located in a humid subtropical climate zone. the region experiences a fluctuation of precipitation, with recorded totals of 36.30 inches in 2023, 34.40 inches in 2022, 37.03 inches in 2021, 38.95 inches in 2020, and 51.30 inches in 2019. These fluctuations in rainfall contribute to the overall water levels and hydrology of the lake. The area's average annual air temperature is 65.3°F, supporting the subtropical climate's warm conditions. This climate plays a significant role in shaping the local environment

Terrestral ecosystem type

Lake Lavon supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, contributing to its rich ecological system. The lake's aquatic vegetation includes plants such as curly-leaf pondweed, water willow, and floating American lotus. Green algae, also known as cyanobacteria is common found within the water. Lake Lavon is home to a variety of fish species, including white bass, largemouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and spotted bass. Mammals such as bobcats, black-tailed prairie dogs, minks, porcupines, river otters, and foxes can also be found in the surrounding habitats. The lake’s reptilian and amphibian populations include various species of snakes and turtles. Bird life is common with sightings of American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, tricolored herons, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, and wood ducks. This wide variety of plant and animal life is essentail to maintaining a nutrient rich ecosystem. One of the most prevalent invasive species in Lake Lavon is the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, zebra mussels were introduced to North America through water from ships and have since spread rapidly across the region. These mussels are highly invasive, outcompeting native species for food and habitat, and they can cause significant ecological and economic damage

Uses/Purpose

Lake Lavon supports a variety of functions, from supplying water to neighboring cities to providing flood control and recreational opportunities. The North Texas Municipal Water District manages the lake and its resources. In addition to its water supply function, the lake's dam is essential for flood control, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. The shoreline development around Lake Lavon has been assigned a development index of 5.9. The area surrounding the lake is primarily residential, with housing developments being the dominant industry. Agriculture also plays a role in the region, with recent efforts focused on implementing agricultural non-point source pollution management practices to protect water quality. Lake Lavon remains an essential resource for the North Texas region.

Recreation

Lake Lavon offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by several well-maintained parks, including Avalon Park, Bratonia Park, Brockdale Park, Caddo Park, Clear Lake Park, Elm Creek Park, Highland Park, Lakeland Park, and Lavina Park, among others. These parks provide for a variety of activities, from swimming and fishing to boating and camping. Numerous campgrounds within the parks offer opportunities for overnight stays.

History

Lake Lavon, located in Collin County, Texas, was named after the nearby town of Lavon, which itself was named in honor of Lavon W. Brown, a local landowner. The lake was created as part of a flood control and water management project overseen by the federal government. The dam that impounds the lake covers an area of 33.44 square miles. The Corps of Engineers played a pivotal role in designing and constructing the dam, which helps regulate water levels, prevent flooding, and provide water resources for the surrounding communities.

References

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (n.d.). Lake Lavon information. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved November 26, 2024, https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lavon/Information/
• Texas Water Development Board. (n.d.). Lavon Reservoir. Texas Water Development Board. Retrieved November 26, 2024, https://www.twdb.texas.gov/surfacewater/rivers/reservoirs/lavon/index.asp
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2022). Lavon Reservoir 2022 fisheries management survey report. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved November 26, 2024
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (n.d.). Lavon Lake watershed protection plan implementation. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Retrieved November 26, 2024, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/nonpoint-source/projects/lavon-lake-wpp-impl