Falcon International Reservoir: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 26°33′32″N 99°09′53″W / 26.55889°N 99.16472°W / 26.55889; -99.16472
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{{infobox lake
{{infobox body of water
| name = Falcon International Reservoir<br>Presa Falcón
| name = Falcon International Reservoir
| other_name = Presa Falcón
| image = FalconReservoir.JPG
| image = FalconReservoir.JPG
| type = [[Hydroelectricity|Hydroelectric]] [[reservoir]]
| type = [[Hydroelectricity|Hydroelectric]] [[reservoir]]
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| max-depth = {{convert|110|ft|abbr=on}}
| max-depth = {{convert|110|ft|abbr=on}}
| elevation = {{convert|301|ft|abbr=on}}
| elevation = {{convert|301|ft|abbr=on}}
<!-- Map -->
| pushpin_map = Texas#USA
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Falcon International Reservoir in Texas, USA.
| pushpin_map_caption =
<!-- Below -->
| website =
| reference =
}}
}}
'''Falcon International Reservoir''' ({{lang-es|Embalse Internacional Falcón}}), commonly called '''Falcon Lake''', is a [[reservoir]] on the [[Rio Grande]] 40 miles (64&nbsp;km) southeast of [[Laredo, Texas]], [[United States]], and [[Nuevo Laredo]], [[Tamaulipas]], [[Mexico]]. The huge lake is bounded by [[Starr County, Texas|Starr]] and [[Zapata County, Texas|Zapata]] Counties on the Texas side of the international border and the municipality and city of [[Nueva Ciudad Guerrero]] on the Tamaulipas side. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the [[Falcon Dam]] to provide water conservation, [[irrigation]], [[flood]] control, and [[hydroelectricity]] to the area.
'''Falcon International Reservoir''' ({{lang-es|Embalse Internacional Falcón}}), commonly called '''Falcon Lake''', is a [[reservoir]] on the [[Rio Grande]] 40 miles (64&nbsp;km) southeast of [[Laredo, Texas]], [[United States]], and [[Nuevo Laredo]], [[Tamaulipas]], [[Mexico]]. The huge lake is bounded by [[Starr County, Texas|Starr]] and [[Zapata County, Texas|Zapata]] Counties on the Texas side of the international border and the municipality and city of [[Nueva Ciudad Guerrero]] on the Tamaulipas side. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the [[Falcon Dam]] to provide [[water conservation]], [[irrigation]], [[flood control]], and [[hydroelectricity]] to the area.


The dam was dedicated in October 1953 by Mexican President [[Adolfo Ruiz Cortines]] and [[U.S. President]] [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]. The dam and lake are managed jointly by governments of the United States and Mexico through the [[International Boundary and Water Commission]], which was established in 1889 to maintain the border, allocate river waters between the two nations, and provide for flood control and water sanitation. The lake is named after María Rita de la Garza Falcón, for whom the town of Falcon (displaced by the creation of the reservoir) was named.
The dam was dedicated in October 1953 by Mexican President [[Adolfo Ruiz Cortines]] and [[U.S. President]] [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]. The dam and lake are managed jointly by governments of the United States and Mexico through the [[International Boundary and Water Commission]], which was established in 1889 to maintain the border, allocate river waters between the two nations, and provide for flood control and water sanitation. The lake is named after María Rita de la Garza Falcón, for whom the town of Falcon (displaced by the creation of the reservoir) was named.


==Fish and plant life==
==Fish and plant life==
Falcon International Reservoir has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in the reservoir include [[largemouth bass]], [[crappie]], [[catfish]], and [[channel catfish]].
Falcon International Reservoir has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in the reservoir include [[largemouth bass]], [[crappie]], [[catfish]], and [[channel catfish]].<ref name=flake>Gabriela A. Treviño, "Falcon Lake discussed at hearing: Declining bass population impacts ecosystem, number of tourists" (May 17, 2014) ''[[Laredo Morning Times]]'', pp. 1, 10A</ref>

The bass population is in decline, a factor which has reduced the number of fishermen and tourists coming to the lake. In 2012, Falcon Lake ranked first for bass in the United States; by 2014, the rank had dropped to number 12. Despite the threat of piracy, security on the lake has been enhanced to the point that [[Texas House of Representatives|State Representative]] [[Lyle Larson]] of [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]], a member of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, declared Falcon Lake, "the safest park on the border."<ref name=flake>Gabriela A. Treviño, "Falcon Lake discussed at hearing: Declining bass population impacts ecosystem, number of tourists" (May 17, 2014) ''[[Laredo Morning Times]]'', pp. 1, 10A</ref>

[[Alligator gar]], large and heavy fish with a long lifespan, feed on the largemouth bass and can survive through [[drought]]s. In 2009, restrictions were placed on the harvest of alligator gar, but some area residents maintain that no regulations should be in place and that the gar must be considered as if they were rats and be removed from the lake.<ref name=flake/>


On the shores of Falcon Lake are Texas wild olive (''[[Cordia boissieri]]''), Mexican oregano (''[[Lippia graveolens]]''), [[hibiscus]], [[mesquite]] thickets, huisache ([[Vachellia farnesiana var. farnesiana|''Vachellia farnesiana'' var. ''farnesiana'']]) and prickly pear cactus (''[[Opuntia]]'' spp.). [[Greater roadrunner]]s, [[collared peccaries]], [[white-tailed deer]], and [[black-tailed jackrabbit]]s also exist within the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/falcon/ |publisher=Texas Parks and Wildlife |title=Falcon Dam}}</ref>
On the shores of Falcon Lake are Texas wild olive (''[[Cordia boissieri]]''), Mexican oregano (''[[Lippia graveolens]]''), [[hibiscus]], [[mesquite]] thickets, huisache ([[Vachellia farnesiana var. farnesiana|''Vachellia farnesiana'' var. ''farnesiana'']]) and prickly pear cactus (''[[Opuntia]]'' spp.). [[Greater roadrunner]]s, [[collared peccaries]], [[white-tailed deer]], and [[black-tailed jackrabbit]]s also exist within the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/falcon/ |publisher=Texas Parks and Wildlife |title=Falcon Dam}}</ref>
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==Recreation==
==Recreation==
Falcon State Park is {{convert|572.6|acre|km2}} located between [[Falcon Heights, Texas]], and Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and is the southern end of a {{convert|98960|acre|km2|adj=on}} International Falcon Reservoir. The park's main activities include camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating, with a self-guided nature trail. [[Bass fishing]] is particularly popular on the {{convert|98960|acre|km2|adj=on}} lake.
Falcon State Park is {{convert|572.6|acre|km2}} located between [[Falcon Heights, Texas]], and Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and is the southern end of a {{convert|98960|acre|km2|adj=on}} International Falcon Reservoir. The park's main activities include camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating, with a self-guided nature trail. [[Bass fishing]] is particularly popular on the {{convert|98960|acre|km2|adj=on}} lake.

==Climate==

Climate data is recorded near the southeast corner of the reservoir at {{Coord|26.5580|N|99.1372|W}} and an elevation of {{Convert|97.5|m|ft|0}}. <ref>{{cite web |title=FALCON DAM, TX US |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datasets/normal_mly/stations/GHCND:USC00413060/detail |website=Climate Data Online |publisher=NOAA |access-date=18 February 2021}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Falcon Dam, Texas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes

|Jan record high F = 98
|Feb record high F = 103
|Mar record high F = 108
|Apr record high F = 113
|May record high F = 114
|Jun record high F = 116
|Jul record high F = 110
|Aug record high F = 111
|Sep record high F = 112
|Oct record high F = 105
|Nov record high F = 99
|Dec record high F = 94

|Jan avg record high F = 88.4
|Feb avg record high F = 92.9
|Mar avg record high F = 97.9
|Apr avg record high F = 102.1
|May avg record high F = 104.7
|Jun avg record high F = 107.0
|Jul avg record high F = 106.4
|Aug avg record high F = 106.9
|Sep avg record high F = 103.3
|Oct avg record high F = 98.0
|Nov avg record high F = 92.8
|Dec avg record high F = 87.7
|year avg record high F = 109.6

|Jan high F = 71.5
|Feb high F = 77.1
|Mar high F = 84.0
|Apr high F = 90.8
|May high F = 96.5
|Jun high F = 101.2
|Jul high F = 102.2
|Aug high F = 102.6
|Sep high F = 95.8
|Oct high F = 89.9
|Nov high F = 80.1
|Dec high F = 72.2
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 60.1
|Feb mean F = 64.9
|Mar mean F = 71.5
|Apr mean F = 77.8
|May mean F = 84.1
|Jun mean F = 88.5
|Jul mean F = 89.4
|Aug mean F = 89.6
|Sep mean F = 84.6
|Oct mean F = 78.0
|Nov mean F = 69.0
|Dec mean F = 61.2
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 48.7
|Feb low F = 52.7
|Mar low F = 59.0
|Apr low F = 64.8
|May low F = 71.6
|Jun low F = 75.8
|Jul low F = 76.6
|Aug low F = 76.7
|Sep low F = 73.4
|Oct low F = 66.0
|Nov low F = 57.9
|Dec low F = 50.2
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 32.8
|Feb avg record low F = 37.0
|Mar avg record low F = 40.8
|Apr avg record low F = 48.5
|May avg record low F = 58.6
|Jun avg record low F = 67.1
|Jul avg record low F = 69.4
|Aug avg record low F = 70.5
|Sep avg record low F = 62.8
|Oct avg record low F = 48.1
|Nov avg record low F = 39.7
|Dec avg record low F = 33.7
|year avg record low F = 30.2

|Jan record low F = 21
|Feb record low F = 19
|Mar record low F = 27
|Apr record low F = 30
|May record low F = 44
|Jun record low F = 59
|Jul record low F = 59
|Aug record low F = 64
|Sep record low F = 51
|Oct record low F = 31
|Nov record low F = 31
|Dec record low F = 15

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.74
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.64
|Mar precipitation inch = 0.78
|Apr precipitation inch = 1.24
|May precipitation inch = 1.98
|Jun precipitation inch = 1.94
|Jul precipitation inch = 1.99
|Aug precipitation inch = 1.63
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.87
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.38
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.31
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.00
|year precipitation inch = 19.50

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 5.2
|Feb precipitation days = 4.3
|Mar precipitation days = 4.2
|Apr precipitation days = 3.4
|May precipitation days = 4.3
|Jun precipitation days = 3.6
|Jul precipitation days = 3.7
|Aug precipitation days = 3.5
|Sep precipitation days = 7.3
|Oct precipitation days = 3.9
|Nov precipitation days = 4.3
|Dec precipitation days = 6.1

|Jan snow inch =
|Feb snow inch =
|Mar snow inch =
|Apr snow inch =
|May snow inch =
|Jun snow inch =
|Jul snow inch =
|Aug snow inch =
|Sep snow inch =
|Oct snow inch =
|Nov snow inch =
|Dec snow inch =
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days =
|Feb snow days =
|Mar snow days =
|Apr snow days =
|May snow days =
|Jun snow days =
|Jul snow days =
|Aug snow days =
|Sep snow days =
|Oct snow days =
|Nov snow days =
|Dec snow days =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00413060&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Falcon Dam, TX
|access-date = July 5, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=bro
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Brownsville
|access-date = July 5, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}


==Piracy==
==Piracy==
{{main|Piracy in Falcon Lake}}
{{main|Piracy in Falcon Lake}}
In May 2010, [[Los Zetas]] pirates on the lake claiming to be Mexican [[Federal Police (Mexico)|Federal Police]] committed at least three armed robberies. The pirates boarded U.S. boats and demanded either weapons, drugs, or money. Fear of robbery has since dissuaded U.S. fishers from the lake.<ref>{{cite web
In May 2010, [[Los Zetas]] pirates on the lake claiming to be Mexican [[Federal Police (Mexico)|Federal Police]] committed at least three armed robberies. The pirates boarded U.S. boats and demanded either weapons, drugs, or money.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/29/AR2010052903707.html
|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/29/AR2010052903707.html
|title=Mexican pirates attack Texas fishermen on Falcon Lake, which straddles border
|title=Mexican pirates attack Texas fishermen on Falcon Lake, which straddles border
|author=William Booth
|author=William Booth
|publisher=''Washington Post''
|newspaper=Washington Post
|date=May 30, 2010
|date=May 30, 2010
|accessdate=2010-10-13}}</ref>
|access-date=2010-10-13}}</ref>


In June 2010, U.S. authorities also revealed a [[Falcon Dam#2010 plot to destroy the dam|plot by Los Zetas to destroy the Falcon Dam]].
In June 2010, U.S. authorities also revealed a [[Falcon Dam#2010 plot to destroy the dam|plot by Los Zetas to destroy the Falcon Dam]].


On September 30, 2010, David Hartley and his wife Tiffany, from [[McAllen, Texas]], were in Mexican waters riding [[WaveRunner]]s back from Mexico when they were allegedly chased by two boats containing about six gunmen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexican cartels and ensuing violence leave mark on Texas border town |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/10/09/mexican-cartels-and-ensuing-violence-leave-mark-on-texas-border-town/ |access-date=3 November 2022 |work=[[The Denver Post]] |date=9 October 2010}}</ref> The Zapata County Sheriff said the woman escaped and reported that her husband was shot.<ref>{{cite news |title=Colorado man apparently killed by Mexican pirates |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/10/01/colorado-man-apparently-killed-by-mexican-pirates/ |access-date=3 November 2022 |work=[[The Denver Post]] |date=1 October 2010}}</ref> He is missing and feared dead.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Richardson |first1=Helen H. |title=Nikki Hartley, the sister of David, and Pam Hartley, right, the mother of David, remember him after the service. Despite having no body or definitive news on his disappearance David Hartley's family and the family of his wife Tiffany, held a memorial service in his name in the Worship Center at the Family Church in McAllen, Texas |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/nikki-hartley-the-sister-of-david-and-pam-hartley-right-the-news-photo/161155040 |website=[[Getty Images]] |access-date=3 November 2022 |language=en-us |date=October 5, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rally planned for man allegedly shot by Mexican pirates |url=https://gazette.com/news/rally-planned-for-man-allegedly-shot-by-mexican-pirates/article_a5d6a8b0-f038-54c0-9559-2f60cd90a392.html |access-date=3 November 2022 |work=[[Colorado Springs Gazette]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref><!-- {{cite web
On September 30, 2010, David Hartley and his wife Tiffany, from [[McAllen, Texas]], were in Mexican waters riding jet skis back from Mexico when they were allegedly chased by two boats containing about six gunmen. The Zapata County Sheriff said the woman escaped and reported that her husband was shot. He is missing and feared dead.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100930/ap_on_re_us/us_border_lake_shooting
|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100930/ap_on_re_us/us_border_lake_shooting
|author=Weber, Paul J.
|author=Weber, Paul J.
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|publisher=Associated Press
|publisher=Associated Press
|date=September 30, 2010
|date=September 30, 2010
|accessdate=2010-10-13
|access-date=2010-10-13
}}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
}}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} -->

On October 10, 2010, Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez sent word to the Zetas that he has no plans to prosecute.<ref>{{cite news |title=Texas sheriff tells drug cartel: 'We just want a body' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39564708 |access-date=3 November 2022 |work=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=October 7, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>


On October 12, 2010, Commander Rolando Flores, the lead Mexican investigator for the David Hartley disappearance case, was beheaded by Mexican drug cartel members and sent in a suitcase to the Mexican military.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/12/texas.falcon.lake.head/index.html
On October 12, 2010, Commander Rolando Flores, the lead Mexican investigator for the David Hartley disappearance case, was beheaded by Mexican drug cartel members and sent in a suitcase to the Mexican military.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/12/texas.falcon.lake.head/index.html
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|publisher=CNN
|publisher=CNN
|date=October 13, 2010
|date=October 13, 2010
|accessdate=2010-10-13}}</ref>
|access-date=2010-10-13}}</ref>

The lake remains a popular fishing destination, and regularly hosts U.S. anglers and tournaments. <ref>{{cite web |title=Falcon Lake Tackle |url=http://www.tackleandrods.com/lake/flash.htm |access-date=25 April 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Texas|Mexico}}
*[[Amistad Reservoir]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Texas|Mexico}}
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/falcon/ Falcon International Reservoir] - [[Texas Parks & Wildlife]]
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/falcon/ Falcon International Reservoir] - [[Texas Parks & Wildlife]]
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/falcon/ Falcon State Park] - [[Texas Parks & Wildlife]]
*[http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/falcon/ Falcon State Park] - [[Texas Parks & Wildlife]]
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*{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|1373696}} | title=Falcon Reservoir | work=[[Geographic Names Information System]] | publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}
*{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|1373696}} | title=Falcon Reservoir | work=[[Geographic Names Information System]] | publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}
*{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|1854285}} | title=International Falcon Lake | work=[[Geographic Names Information System]] | publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}
*{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|1854285}} | title=International Falcon Lake | work=[[Geographic Names Information System]] | publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Reservoirs in Texas]]
[[Category:Reservoirs in Texas]]
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[[Category:1954 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in Mexico]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in Mexico]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Mexico]]

Latest revision as of 20:25, 25 April 2024

Falcon International Reservoir
Presa Falcón
Location of Falcon International Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of Falcon International Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Falcon International Reservoir
Location of Falcon International Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of Falcon International Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Falcon International Reservoir
LocationZapata / Starr Counties, Texas, United States;
Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Coordinates26°33′32″N 99°09′53″W / 26.55889°N 99.16472°W / 26.55889; -99.16472 at Falcon Dam
TypeHydroelectric reservoir
Primary inflowsRio Grande
Primary outflowsRio Grande
Basin countriesUnited States, Mexico
Surface area83,654 acres (33,854 ha)
Max. depth110 ft (34 m)
Surface elevation301 ft (92 m)

Falcon International Reservoir (Spanish: Embalse Internacional Falcón), commonly called Falcon Lake, is a reservoir on the Rio Grande 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Laredo, Texas, United States, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The huge lake is bounded by Starr and Zapata Counties on the Texas side of the international border and the municipality and city of Nueva Ciudad Guerrero on the Tamaulipas side. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Falcon Dam to provide water conservation, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectricity to the area.

The dam was dedicated in October 1953 by Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The dam and lake are managed jointly by governments of the United States and Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission, which was established in 1889 to maintain the border, allocate river waters between the two nations, and provide for flood control and water sanitation. The lake is named after María Rita de la Garza Falcón, for whom the town of Falcon (displaced by the creation of the reservoir) was named.

Fish and plant life[edit]

Falcon International Reservoir has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in the reservoir include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and channel catfish.[1]

On the shores of Falcon Lake are Texas wild olive (Cordia boissieri), Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), hibiscus, mesquite thickets, huisache (Vachellia farnesiana var. farnesiana) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.). Greater roadrunners, collared peccaries, white-tailed deer, and black-tailed jackrabbits also exist within the park.[2]

Recreation[edit]

Falcon State Park is 572.6 acres (2.317 km2) located between Falcon Heights, Texas, and Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and is the southern end of a 98,960-acre (400.5 km2) International Falcon Reservoir. The park's main activities include camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating, with a self-guided nature trail. Bass fishing is particularly popular on the 98,960-acre (400.5 km2) lake.

Climate[edit]

Climate data is recorded near the southeast corner of the reservoir at 26°33′29″N 99°08′14″W / 26.5580°N 99.1372°W / 26.5580; -99.1372 and an elevation of 97.5 metres (320 ft). [3]

Climate data for Falcon Dam, Texas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 98
(37)
103
(39)
108
(42)
113
(45)
114
(46)
116
(47)
110
(43)
111
(44)
112
(44)
105
(41)
99
(37)
94
(34)
116
(47)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 88.4
(31.3)
92.9
(33.8)
97.9
(36.6)
102.1
(38.9)
104.7
(40.4)
107.0
(41.7)
106.4
(41.3)
106.9
(41.6)
103.3
(39.6)
98.0
(36.7)
92.8
(33.8)
87.7
(30.9)
109.6
(43.1)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 71.5
(21.9)
77.1
(25.1)
84.0
(28.9)
90.8
(32.7)
96.5
(35.8)
101.2
(38.4)
102.2
(39.0)
102.6
(39.2)
95.8
(35.4)
89.9
(32.2)
80.1
(26.7)
72.2
(22.3)
88.7
(31.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 60.1
(15.6)
64.9
(18.3)
71.5
(21.9)
77.8
(25.4)
84.1
(28.9)
88.5
(31.4)
89.4
(31.9)
89.6
(32.0)
84.6
(29.2)
78.0
(25.6)
69.0
(20.6)
61.2
(16.2)
76.6
(24.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 48.7
(9.3)
52.7
(11.5)
59.0
(15.0)
64.8
(18.2)
71.6
(22.0)
75.8
(24.3)
76.6
(24.8)
76.7
(24.8)
73.4
(23.0)
66.0
(18.9)
57.9
(14.4)
50.2
(10.1)
64.5
(18.0)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 32.8
(0.4)
37.0
(2.8)
40.8
(4.9)
48.5
(9.2)
58.6
(14.8)
67.1
(19.5)
69.4
(20.8)
70.5
(21.4)
62.8
(17.1)
48.1
(8.9)
39.7
(4.3)
33.7
(0.9)
30.2
(−1.0)
Record low °F (°C) 21
(−6)
19
(−7)
27
(−3)
30
(−1)
44
(7)
59
(15)
59
(15)
64
(18)
51
(11)
31
(−1)
31
(−1)
15
(−9)
15
(−9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.74
(19)
0.64
(16)
0.78
(20)
1.24
(31)
1.98
(50)
1.94
(49)
1.99
(51)
1.63
(41)
4.87
(124)
1.38
(35)
1.31
(33)
1.00
(25)
19.50
(495)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 5.2 4.3 4.2 3.4 4.3 3.6 3.7 3.5 7.3 3.9 4.3 6.1 53.8
Source 1: NOAA[4]
Source 2: National Weather Service[5]

Piracy[edit]

In May 2010, Los Zetas pirates on the lake claiming to be Mexican Federal Police committed at least three armed robberies. The pirates boarded U.S. boats and demanded either weapons, drugs, or money.[6]

In June 2010, U.S. authorities also revealed a plot by Los Zetas to destroy the Falcon Dam.

On September 30, 2010, David Hartley and his wife Tiffany, from McAllen, Texas, were in Mexican waters riding WaveRunners back from Mexico when they were allegedly chased by two boats containing about six gunmen.[7] The Zapata County Sheriff said the woman escaped and reported that her husband was shot.[8] He is missing and feared dead.[9][10]

On October 10, 2010, Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez sent word to the Zetas that he has no plans to prosecute.[11]

On October 12, 2010, Commander Rolando Flores, the lead Mexican investigator for the David Hartley disappearance case, was beheaded by Mexican drug cartel members and sent in a suitcase to the Mexican military.[12]

The lake remains a popular fishing destination, and regularly hosts U.S. anglers and tournaments. [13]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gabriela A. Treviño, "Falcon Lake discussed at hearing: Declining bass population impacts ecosystem, number of tourists" (May 17, 2014) Laredo Morning Times, pp. 1, 10A
  2. ^ "Falcon Dam". Texas Parks and Wildlife.
  3. ^ "FALCON DAM, TX US". Climate Data Online. NOAA. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  4. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Falcon Dam, TX". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Brownsville". National Weather Service. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  6. ^ William Booth (May 30, 2010). "Mexican pirates attack Texas fishermen on Falcon Lake, which straddles border". Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
  7. ^ "Mexican cartels and ensuing violence leave mark on Texas border town". The Denver Post. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Colorado man apparently killed by Mexican pirates". The Denver Post. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  9. ^ Richardson, Helen H. (October 5, 2010). "Nikki Hartley, the sister of David, and Pam Hartley, right, the mother of David, remember him after the service. Despite having no body or definitive news on his disappearance David Hartley's family and the family of his wife Tiffany, held a memorial service in his name in the Worship Center at the Family Church in McAllen, Texas". Getty Images. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  10. ^ "Rally planned for man allegedly shot by Mexican pirates". Colorado Springs Gazette. Associated Press. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  11. ^ "Texas sheriff tells drug cartel: 'We just want a body'". NBC News. Associated Press. October 7, 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  12. ^ Divina Mims, Eduardo Aragon, Ed Lavandera and Nick Valencia (October 13, 2010). "Mexican investigator in Falcon Lake case beheaded, officials say". CNN. Retrieved 2010-10-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Falcon Lake Tackle". Retrieved 25 April 2024.

External links[edit]