Gaping Sinkhole Threatens Boats In Flooding Lake Texoma

A gaping sinkhole opened up on Lake Texoma which can easily swallow a boat. The sinkhole formed after officials began draining the lake.

The lake has been receiving big inflows due to thundershowers over the past several weeks, flooding the banks. Created by Denson Dam that stretches three miles, the lake is being drained by opening the dam. The gushing waters have created a whirlpool about 2.5 meters in diameter, wide enough to drown a small boat.

According to ABC News, buoys warn off boats about the vortex, which can vary in size depending on the water being let out. Sometimes the vortex can be so small, it is not noticeable.

"I always compare it to when you fill up your bathtub and then pull the plug. When the water level gets low enough, you'll see an apparent vortex. Obviously we don't have a plug like that in the dam, but the concept is the same. The vortex will always vary in size based on how much water is being released. Sometimes it'll be so small you don't even see it," assistant project manager at Lake Texoma BJ Parkey told ABC News.

Lake Texoma is located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma. It attracts nearly six million visitors a year. Fishing and sailing are popular in the lake. However, during floods locals advise tourists to avoid the waters which can get very furious. During the current bout of floods it seems some tourists have been reckless.

"The Army Corps of Engineers posted a photo of a small power boat floating precariously close to the overflowing spillway, bringing attention to the fact that it is no time to be doing something that stupid just for a joy ride. Flood waters and submerged structures are dangerous, folks. Please use common sense when you launch your boat on Lake Texoma now," MiaSherwood Landau wrote on Lake Texoma website.