Water Level
|
631.13 ft
updated 3:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Lake Travis reaches highest level in 2+ years
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2015 05:52 PM - 18,919 Readers
By: Mark Monstrola
A consistent string of passing upper-level, low-pressure systems has been wringing out tropical moisture from the skies over the past few weeks. This pattern, unlike any we have seen in years, has dropped a few months’ worth of rain in just a two-week period. We’ve shown you just how dramatically how the storms over Texas have been filling thirsty bodies of water. As of Thursday morning, a rise of another few inches in Lake Travis’ level overnight brings us to the fullest we’ve seen the lake since April 2013. Most of our metro and eastern communities have picked up between 2 and 5 inches of rain since the beginning of May. There have even been a few rain gauges from Central Travis County, northern Bastrop County and Lee County that have seen 5 to 8 inches of rain, even an isolated spot or two that saw more than 10 inches during that time span. These areas have not been in a drought status for a little while now, and with this latest pattern, likely won’t be for a while. Meanwhile, Hill Country locations, where moderate- to extreme drought conditions linger, also did fairly well with rainfall. Contrary to recent trends, the Highland Lakes chain, along with the rest of the Hill Country, have piled up 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with a couple of spots hitting the 5-inch mark. Yes, this will assist in knocking back drought conditions a bit in these areas, but certainly will not eliminate them. What the recent rainfall will do is brighten the future for the Highland Lakes, which are still only about 39 percent full. Rain from the past few weeks has only added less than a foot to our very low lake levels. However, they have set the stage for a promising finish to the month. The soil in the Hill Country is now saturated, which means any additional rainfall in the coming weeks could have a large impact on boosting the amount of water in the Highland Lakes. Those water levels in turn could help lower Austin’s current water restrictions, which are directly correlated with lake levels. Austin is currently under Stage 2 water restrictions, but may fall to Stage 1 with a jump in the inflow to the Highland Lakes. Stage 1 water restrictions would allow residents to water two days a week where as watering is currently limited to a single day a week. The good news for those still in drought conditions, and for the lakes, is this abnormally wet weather pattern is forecast to continue for at least the next few weeks.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,063 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
27,741 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
30,709 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
28,831 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
32,744 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,123 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,014 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,275 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,106 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,695 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,276 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,309 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
28,765 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
27,735 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,605 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,239 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,472 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,080 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,280 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
38,972 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,112 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
28,961 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,489 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,014 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
23,969 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,293 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
25,985 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,204 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
26,733 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
27,962 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,069 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,546 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,043 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,254 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
37,859 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,599 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,646 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,033 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,391 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,317 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,264 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,329 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
25,904 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,545 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,254 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,002 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
26,822 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,073 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,428 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,057 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
25,838 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
23,703 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
28,956 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,445 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,058 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,267 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,246 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,419 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,312 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,132 Readers |
News Archives 2015 - Select a Month
|