Portions of some lakes will close as LCRA opens floodgates

Posted: Sat, 28 May 2016 09:03 PM - 13,616 Readers

Storms Northwest of Lake Buchanan led the Lower Colorado River Authority to open dams in Central Texas.

Clara Tuma with the LCRA told KXAN heavy rains fell near Lake Brownwood and Pecan Bayou, which feed downstream into the Colorado River. By opening the dams, more water will flow into the Highland Lakes and downstream into areas already saturated by rains.

Hydroelectric generation at Buchanan Dam begins at 6 p.m. Saturday
Hydroelectric generation at Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam begin Sunday morning
One floodgate at Tom Miller Dam will open at 8 a.m. Sunday
One floodgate at Buchanan Dam will open at 9 a.m. Sunday

Water from Buchanan Dam flows into Inks Lake. Mansfield Dam opening means water will flow from Lake Travis into Lake Austin. Tom Miller Dam separates Lake Austin from Ladybird Lake in downtown Austin.

In anticipation of the water flowing, Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr banned water access in Lake Austin, downstream of the Oyster Landing boat docks to Tom Miller Dam and in Lady Bird Lake, from Tom Miller Dam to the east end of Redbud Isle. The ban begins at 6 a.m. Sunday and lasts until noon on May 31.

Anyone caught kayaking or boating near upstream of Redbud Isle or downstream of the Oyster Landing boat docks could have their watercraft impounded.

Open Again

It was not that long ago when opening the floodgates appeared impossible. Back in April, LCRA officials opened the floodgates on Mansfield Dam for the first time in nine years.

Crowds gathered from the observation deck to see the water fall again.

* Story Contributed by: Kevin Kline

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	34,483 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	28,151 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	31,084 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	29,258 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	33,217 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	29,609 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	27,394 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	26,666 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	30,417 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	22,979 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	27,583 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	25,605 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	29,113 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	28,029 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	31,850 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	27,521 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	29,789 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	27,370 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	37,582 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	39,273 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	14,676 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	29,396 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	22,800 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	24,312 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	24,280 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	24,564 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	26,331 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	29,492 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	26,979 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	28,253 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	22,341 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	26,914 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	28,307 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	38,567 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	38,199 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	35,862 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	37,921 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	40,278 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	40,704 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	41,598 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	26,589 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	25,598 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	26,182 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	26,845 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	27,595 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	27,296 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	27,105 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	26,391 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	27,729 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	36,339 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	26,134 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	23,985 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	29,255 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	29,712 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	27,337 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	27,550 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	37,525 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	37,685 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	37,623 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	41,431 Readers

News Archives 2016 - Select a Month