While most of us were sleeping Tuesday night, Lake Travis dropped to the fifth lowest level since its filling back in 1942.
And, thanks to an exceptional drought -- the worst in the United States currently -- the lake may claim more unfavorable honors as another hot, dry summer unfolds. These hazards are making water recreation an increasingly dangerous activity.
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) reports Lake Travis' current level is 643.26 feet above mean sea level, or AMSL, now lower than levels during the drought of 2006-2007.
A low elevation of 643.55 feet was reached then, and now marks the sixth lowest level in history.
Check out the record lows:- 614.18 feet ・August 14, 1951
- 615.02 feet ・November 1963
- 636.58 feet ・October 1984
- 640.24 feet ・October 2000
- 643.26 feet ・July 1, 2009
- 643.55 feet - December 2006
LCRA forecasts show Lake Travis dropping to 640 feet soon after the Independence Day holiday weekend.
A refill of the lake will likely come at a price: flooding.
Lake Travis is the "flood control reservoir" of the seven reservoirs in the Highland Lakes on the Colorado River.
Besides recreation and flood control, Lake Travis serves hydroelectric power generation needs and supplies water to several cities including Austin.
