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Evacuation Lifted at Carter Lake Dam After Pumping Lowers Lake Level

Authorities cleared residents to return after pumps dropped the lake below the damaged embankment.

Overview

  • Polk County OEM and TCEQ ended the evacuation Monday once water receded below an eight-inch hole in the earthen embankment and outflow ceased.
  • Owners say pumping equipment will remain on site during repairs, and an existing six-inch pipe beneath the spillway will aid continued drainage.
  • Roughly 20–30 households had been urged to leave beginning Saturday, with a shelter at Livingston’s Dunbar Gym set to close Tuesday morning.
  • Officials reported no flooding over the weekend as high‑volume pumps lowered the lake about a foot by Monday morning toward a target of two to three feet.
  • Records show the privately owned dam was last inspected in 1980 and is classified as low hazard by TCEQ, and the owner will work with a private engineer on repairs.