Lake Fun Facts
Officially named "Whitney Lake", the lake is more commonly known as "Lake Whitney".
- Originally authorized by U.S. Congress in 1941.
- Construction began in 1947 (delayed because of WW II), and was completed in 1951.
- Primary purpose then, and now, is flood control.
- Located in the Brazos River Basin, between Bosque and Hill counties.
- Operated by the Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District.
Lake
| Normal "Conservation Pool" Level |
533 feet |
| Flood Pool Top |
571 feet |
| Surface Acres, at normal elevation | 23,500 (almost 37 square miles
of clear, blue water) |
| Capacity, at normal elevation | 379,100 acre-feet |
Surface Acres,
at flood pool elevation | 49,820 |
| Length | 45 river miles |
| Width, maximum | 4 miles |
| Depth, maximum | 108 feet |
| Drainage area, above the dam | 26,170 square miles |
Dam
 |
| Photo courtesy TxDOT |
| Length | 17,695 feet |
| Height | 159 feet |
| Width, top | 34 feet |
| Width, base | 640 feet |
| Gates used to control discharge | 16 |
| Construction cost | $42 million |
Powerhouse
| Construction began in year |
1951 |
| Construction completed in year |
1953 |
| Construction cost | $2 million |
| Generating units | (2) 15,000 kilowatt |
