A sinkhole 20-40 feet deep opened along White Rock Lake Trail last week. Here’s everything you need to know.
A popular section of White Rock Lake Trail remains closed after a large sinkhole opened last week. Cyclists and runners traversing the route, which is located close to the White Rock Spillway, noticed the sinkhole last Friday and quickly alerted authorities. Chad Ethridge spoke with CBS News about what happened, saying, “I’m constantly out here running, walking, and biking. “I was like, that’s really deep — maybe about 20 feet, that’s my guesstimate. And it was kind of scary because it was exposed there, right on the edge of the sidewalk.” A woman cycling through White Rock at the same time notified nearby police officers of the issue, which led Sarah Standifer, the Director of Dallas Water Utilities, to close the trail until repairs were completed.
On March 10, an email written by Cameron Loos, who serves as the Assistant Director of Dallas Park and Recreation, was posted on Facebook. In the email, Loos indicated that the sinkhole was approximately 20-40 feet deep and four feet in diameter. It has since been temporarily stabilized, but the area remains closed due to impending storms that could create further issues. Loos wrote, “Although the barriers cover 1/3 of the trail, my concern is with more rain and trail users this weekend, something more catastrophic could happen. I’ve recommended to divert all traffic off and around the trail until fixed.”
The sinkhole was likely caused in part by an abandoned sewer line. However, residents know that the area has experienced similar issues before due to a variety of contributing factors.
The area has experienced erosion issues in the past
The patched sinkhole is still being cordoned off by traffic barriers, and residents are encouraged to follow posted signage around the San Rafael Way and Garland Road intersection where it’s located to ensure their safety. Though it developed unexpectedly, this area has seen its fair share of damaging changes over the last few years. Beginning in 2024, the adjacent shoreline was experiencing noticeable erosion. A report released that year said that about 1,100 feet along the shore was at risk of crumbling. Michael Jung is a Park and Recreation Board representative for White Rock, and he said that despite this issue, the sinkhole seems to be unrelated to the unfolding erosion.
“It’s hard at this point to tie the sinkhole to the ongoing erosion problem, because it’s right at the site where DWU did some work the last few years,” Jung said. He added, “Nothing is conclusive at this point — The water department is making temporary repairs. They’re looking to make sure those repairs are adequate, that there won’t be more subsidence, and trying to figure out what the long‑term solution should be.” As of writing, it’s unclear when this stretch of White Rock Trail will officially reopen.
