Comanche Creek Reservoir

This article is about the Texas reservoir. For the Nevada reservoir, see Squaw Valley Reservoir. For other uses, see Squaw Lake and Squaw Valley (disambiguation).

Squaw Creek Reservoir
Squaw Creek Reservoir 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)

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.

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.

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) 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. 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.