Lake Bob Sandlin (Cypress River Basin)

Lake Bob Sandlin (also known as Fort Sherman Dam or Cherokee Trail Lake) is located approximately six miles southwest of Mount Pleasant in Titus County and six miles northwest of Pittsburg in Camp County, on Big Cypress Creek which is the head water of Cypress Bayou.  Laurie E. Jasinski (Jasinski, E. Laurie, 2001) provide a brief history of the Bob Sandlin development:

"As early as the 1950s proponents advocated the construction of a reservoir on Big Cypress Creek to secure an adequate water supply for the region as well as attract industrial growth.  On February 19, 1966, Titus County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 was created, and local businessman and civic leader Bob Sandlin was named president.  Texas Utilities Electric Company eventually signed on with the project, and property acquisition began in 1973.  Construction of Fort Sherman Dam, named after the local historic site of Fort Sherman, began in 1974.  The earthfill dam was built to a maximum height of 69 feet, a top width of 25 feet, and consisted of a total length of 10,800 feet. The top of the dam is at elevation of 349 feet above mean sea level, while maximum design water surface may reach to 345.6 feet above mean sea level. The uncontrolled emergency spillway has a crest elevation at 341.3 feet above mean sea level, service spillway is controlled by the gates with the top elevation of 339 feet above mean sea level. The lake was named in honor of its major proponent, and a formal dedication ceremony occurred on June 25, 1978.  Impoundment for the 9,460-acre lake began, and the state-owned project cost a total of 32 million dollars.  In addition to its function of water storage and industrial use, the reservoir has become known as a top bass-fishing lake for anglers.  Lake Bob Sandlin State Park on the north shore in Titus County provides a recreational outlet for area residents and tourists."

According to TWDB 2018 survey, Lake Bob Sandlin has a total reservoir storage capacity of 203,148 acre-feet (including the dead pool) and encompasses an area of 8,888 acres at conservation pool elevation (337.5 feet above mean sea level, NGVD 29).

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