Publications Education Events Southwestern Historical Quarterly The Handbook of Texas Online TSHA Home About Us News Site Search Contact Us Giving Opportunities Links FAQ Join the TSHA
skip to content
TSHA Online Home
Handbook of 
 Texas Online


The Source for All Things Texan Since 1857: Texas Almanac



Used Car Buying Guide
Listings, News, Tips,
Insurance Information,
Reviews and More

format this article to print

BEACON LIGHT LAKE. Beacon Light Lake, a playa, is 2½ miles northeast of Wheat oilfield and a half mile west of Rudd Draw in south central Loving County (at 31°47' N, 103°34' W). The lake is surrounded by flat to rolling desert terrain of calichefied bedrock, alluvial deposits of sand and gravel, and windblown sand. The soil is fine-grained, brownish-red, loamy sand. Area vegetation consists primarily of small mesquites, yuccas, bear grass, and sparse range grasses. Beacon Light Lake is representative of the many playas in Loving County. Immature streambeds and normally dry draws feed rainwater into these shallow depressions, which vary in size from a few feet to hundreds of rods. The playas become sheets of water after downpours and disappear gradually through evaporation. They may provide some groundwater for livestock, but they are never dependable or long-term sources. Beacon Light Lake was likely named for a nearby signal tower.

 

Copyright © Texas State Historical Association
Terms of Use  Comment/Contact  Policy Agreement  Last Updated: January 9, 2008
Published by the Texas State Historical Association and distributed
in partnership with Holt, Rinehart and Winston, a Harcourt Education Company