Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?

Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2017 01:52 PM - 28,208 Readers

Reader, as a resident of the Lake Travis area, I share your commute and your concerns.

According to Bob Rose, chief meteorologist for the Lower Colorado River Authority, Travis County is not in a drought, citing the U.S. Drought Monitor.

“The weather here has been drier than normal for the past two months, but we are not in a La Nina pattern, the pattern that often brings droughts to our area,” he said. “The latest long-range forecasts call for near-normal to slight-above-normal rainfall this fall. “

Parts of Sometimes Island begin to be visible when the level of Lake Travis hits about 676 feet above mean sea level, about where it is now, he said on July 7.

“It’s important to note that level is just 5 feet below the lake’s full level of 681 feet msl,” Rose said. “ Lake Travis is still 92 percent full [as of July 7].”

The decline in lake levels is typical for this time of year, as water use and evaporation increase as temperatures rise, he said. On average, levels in Lake Travis in July, August and September are the lowest of the year. July also is typically our driest month of the year, with average rainfall of under 2 inches, he said.

* Story Contributed by: Leslee Bassman

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	34,420 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	28,091 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	31,012 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	29,185 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	33,145 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	29,543 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	27,330 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	26,599 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	30,367 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	22,935 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	27,538 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	25,564 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	29,060 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	27,981 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	31,819 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	27,470 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	29,736 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	27,321 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	37,536 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	39,226 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	14,606 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	29,322 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	22,754 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	24,258 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	24,221 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	24,523 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	26,268 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	29,442 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	26,941 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	28,208 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	22,297 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	26,852 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	28,271 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	38,521 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	38,143 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	35,823 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	37,887 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	40,225 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	40,651 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	41,549 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	26,542 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	25,558 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	26,131 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	26,797 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	27,541 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	27,247 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	27,051 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	26,339 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	27,684 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	36,282 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	26,083 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	23,939 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	29,214 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	29,667 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	27,287 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	27,500 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	37,475 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	37,646 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	37,559 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	41,378 Readers

News Archives 2017 - Select a Month