Day: June 7, 2024

High water runoff in the lower Lake Fork River, which typically occurs between June 15 and 18, is on track to peak early this year as a result of warmer than usual daytime temperatures.   Higher than normal river flows in the Lake Fork below Henson were recorded starting in late May, ramping up to 111 percent of long-term, 86-year average with 1,020 cubic feet per second (cfs) water which was recorded at the lower Lake Fork Gateview calibrator last Sunday, June 2.   Water in the Lake Fork continued at higher than usual volume through mid-week this week, peaking at 1,070 cfs on Monday, June 3, and 1,080 cfs on Tuesday, June 4, and then increased to 133 percent of long-term average, 1,310 cfs, early Wednesday morning, June 5.   Thursday, June 6, waterflow 1,390 cfs compared to the historic average 1,030 cfs for that date.   The 86-year average for high water on June 4 is 947 cfs and 982 cfs on June 5. The all-time high for downstream water flow was 1,960 cfs in June, 1938.   The supposition that Lake Fork waterflow will peak early this year – well before usual start of high water on June 15 in years past – is borne out by a miniscule patch of snow which remains at Snyder’s High Water Mark above Henson Creek as viewed from downtown Lake City. The water mark is named in recognition of pioneer Lake City blacksmith Harmon Snyder (1852-1923) whose blacksmith shop on the banks of Henson Creek allowed him to gauge peak runoff in terms of snow which remained on a scree slope above Henson Creek.   When the last of the snow on the scree slope disappears, according to Snyders’ calculations, runoff for the season has peaked and will start to decline. Snyder had a personal interest in peak flow in Henson Creek due to the fact bellows and other equipment in his blacksmith shop — now the location of the Butch and Irma Hurd residence at 1st Street and Silver Street — was powered by a waterwheel within the creek. Pioneer Lake City blacksmith Harmon Snyder, right, and his high-water mark — shown with arrow — with just two small patches of snow as of Tuesday this week.Below, roiling Lake Fork water beneath the Ball Flats Bridge.