Water Level
|
630.65 ft
updated 3:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
LCRA stands ready as more rain is expected in Central Texas
Posted: Thu, 2 Jun 2016 07:19 AM - 22,751 Readers
By: Lindsay Liepman
An LCRA team is watching the Colorado River and stands ready at the River Operations Center in Austin if the situation changes. Central Texans live in what's known as flash flood alley. LCRA manages what you could call a road map of six dams serving as traffic lights to flood water in our region. There were three floodgates still open at the Tom Miller Dam on Wednesday night and LCRA is monitoring every move the water makes. "This is such a dynamic environment that things can change very quickly," said LCRA Exec. VP of Water John Hofmann. The water is a thing of beauty, but the lake and dam system was also built for our own protection. "Before Lake Travis and the Highland Lakes were built, this river, every ten to fifteen years would have a major flood event that caused massive loss of life and property," said Hofmann. Today, six dams and multiple lakes help LCRA manage flood water before it hits home. "That flood storage in the upper most portions of Lake Travis is our insurance policy to protect Austin and downstream from extreme flooding driven by rain in the Hill Country," said Hofmann. "I've lived in Austin since 1983. I love the community because it's where I grew up," said Austin native Ross Henderson. The sandbags and signs near Ross Henderson's Austin neighborhood are a reminder. The ground is saturated and any rain, even a few inches, will become run-off and could flood area creeks and streams. "Pretty much anytime it floods, it floods on Lamar from House Park to where the Shoal Creek Saloon is," said Henderson. A dry and sunny day on Wednesday bought LCRA some time to keep releasing floodwater downstream but it's not time, to let your guard down. "They need to respect moving water. The whole turn around don't drown, that's words people need to live by," said Hofmann. The Austin Fire Department extended the watercraft ban on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and the Colorado River until noon on Friday.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,314 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
27,982 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
30,911 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,079 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,015 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,422 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,228 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,493 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,308 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,879 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,467 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,498 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
28,973 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
27,915 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,765 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,401 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,663 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,264 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,475 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,163 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,478 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,222 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,687 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,195 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,153 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,473 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,188 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,385 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
26,883 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,147 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,241 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,762 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,217 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,460 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,070 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,769 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,821 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,178 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,563 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,493 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,473 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,496 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,083 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,729 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,461 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,187 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
26,989 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,270 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,611 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,223 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,025 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
23,885 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,150 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,610 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,222 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,433 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,410 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,587 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,492 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,316 Readers |
News Archives 2016 - Select a Month
|