Officials in southeast Texas believe beavers may have caused a dam breach that led to the evacuation of 30 homes near Camden, about 70 miles north of Houston. An eight-inch hole was discovered in the Carter Lake dam, and evidence of gnawed brush and beaver tracks was found nearby, according to Polk County Emergency Management Director Courtney Comstock.
Comstock stated on Monday that while beaver activity is a possibility and has affected other dams in the past, the exact cause of the persistent leak has not been confirmed. The breach was first reported on Saturday night when a resident noticed rushing water leaking from the dam, prompting voluntary evacuations for hundreds of residents living downstream.
Over the weekend, residents began pumping water out of the lake to reduce pressure on the damaged section. By Monday, officials reported that the water level had been lowered by one foot, with a goal of reducing it by three to four feet. A six-inch pipe below the spillway will assist with drainage, and pumping equipment will remain on site until repairs are completed.
Residents have been allowed to return home but are advised to exercise caution on roads and bridges in low-lying areas. Emergency management will stay in contact with property owners until the dam is fully repaired.
