With Longhorn Dam inundated, Lady Bird Lake flooding likely

Posted: Fri, 30 Oct 2015 03:12 PM - 22,475 Readers

By: Ben Wear

photo by Rob Hafernik

Lady Bird Lake likely will spill out of banks in the coming hours, an Austin Energy spokesman said just after noon Friday.

All five floodgates are open at Longhorn Dam at the downstream end of the lake (beneath Pleasant Valley Road), spokesman Robert Cullick said, and water has stabilized at the same level on both sides of the low dam. At the same time, the Lower Colorado River Authority has one gate fully open on Tom Miller Dam at the lake’s upper end. More water is coming into Lady Bird Lake than can flow out at Longhorn, Cullick said.

“It’s just a water balance issue,” he said.

Austin Energy owns and operates Longhorn Dam. The other Colorado River dams upstream are under the control of the LCRA.

LCRA spokeswoman Clara Tuma said the gate at Tom Miller Dam was first opened around 10 a.m., and that for awhile a second gate was partially open. She said there are no plans at this point to reopen a second gate.

“But that could change based on weather conditions,” she said. “It’s a dynamic situation.”

Although this morning’s heaviest rains tended to fall downstream of Lake Austin and Tom Miller, the watersheds of Lake Austin and Lake Travis got anywhere from three to five inches of rain in West Austin and western Travis County, according to the LCRA.

* Story Contributed by: Ben Wear

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	34,394 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	28,059 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	30,991 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	29,168 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	33,112 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	29,516 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	27,302 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	26,573 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	30,344 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	22,909 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	27,506 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	25,537 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	29,028 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	27,949 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	31,797 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	27,450 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	29,708 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	27,298 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	37,513 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	39,209 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	14,575 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	29,299 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	22,727 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	24,234 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	24,190 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	24,504 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	26,241 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	29,422 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	26,921 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	28,184 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	22,276 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	26,821 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	28,251 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	38,496 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	38,116 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	35,799 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	37,862 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	40,205 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	40,616 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	41,528 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	26,507 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	25,532 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	26,109 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	26,770 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	27,512 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	27,228 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	27,031 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	26,314 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	27,657 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	36,261 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	26,062 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	23,913 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	29,191 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	29,646 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	27,264 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	27,473 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	37,453 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	37,623 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	37,538 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	41,361 Readers

News Archives 2015 - Select a Month