Squaw Creek Reservoir
Squaw Creek Reservoir is a 3,275-acre (13.3 km²) impoundment located between Glen Rose, Texas and Granbury, Texas. The primary purpose is cooling for Comanche Peak Nuclear Generating Station. During full operation of both units of Comanche Peak, 2.2 million US gallons (8,300 m3) of water are pumped through the plant's main condensers from Squaw Creek Reservoir.[1]
| Squaw Creek Reservoir | |
|---|---|
 Location of Squaw Creek Reservoir | |
| Location | Somervell and Hood counties, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 32°17′19″N 97°45′37″W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Squaw Creek |
| Primary outflows | Squaw Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3,275 acres (1,325 ha) |
| Average depth | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Max. depth | 125 ft (38 m) |
| Water volume | 151,418 acre⋅ft (0.186771 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
The water is relatively clear and provides good bass fishing. The shoreline is rocky.
History
The reservoir was built by TXU for cooling for Comanche Peak in the 1970s. It was impounded in 1979 and took 2 years to fill.
Fish populations
In various years the lake has been stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, shad and talapia.[2]
Recreational use
Fishing is the primary recreational activity. There are camping and fishing facilities at the 475 acre (1.9 km²) Squaw Creek Park across from the nuclear plant.
Location and access
Squaw Creek Reservoir is located at 32°17′19″N 97°45′37″W (32.2884749, -97.7603064)[3] near Glen Rose. It is accessed off State Highway 144.
The reservoir is managed by TXU and has been closed to the public since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Access to the reservoir was previously allowed via Squaw Creek Park. The Squaw Creek Park is now managed by Luminant Power. They allow bank fishing from Thursday-Sunday, and boat fishing from Friday-Sunday by reservation only. The park's hours are currently 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Controversy over public access
There have been several attempts in recent years to get the lake re-opened to the public by anglers as well as recreational boaters.[4] On February 26, 2007 TXU agreed to an estimated 45 billion dollar buyout by a group of private equity firms led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Texas Pacific Group. This buyout has made it opened to the public.
