Water Level
|
632.18 ft
updated 12:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Glass half empty or half full for Central Texas water levels
Posted: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:00 PM - 7,372 Readers
By: Rich Segal
The drought has caused water levels at two major Central Texas lakes to drop, leaving all but two of the public boat ramps closed to boaters. The Lower Colorado River Authority talked to local meteorologists Wednesday to discuss their latest projections for lake levels and water supply. "From a weather perspective, our weather is just as bad, if not even worse, than the drought in the 1950s," LCRA Chief Meteorologist Bob Rose said. "Our rainfall is about as low as it was in the 1950s, but what's really interesting is, from the temperature standpoint, temperatures are much warmer now than the period in the 50s." Rose said the combination of the extreme heat and lack of rainfall makes for a very severe drought, in fact, one of the most severe droughts the LCRA has on record. "During the early part of the 50s, we actually set our all-time record low on Lake Travis, even our combined storage of both Buchanan and Travis," Rose said. "Right now we're not near that, but still we're at the fourth lowest level in recorded history." Rose said given that, Central Texas still has plenty of water. "The combined storage of both of our lakes is right about 50 percent," he said. "They're about half full, half empty, depending how you want to look at it. We still have a lot of water for both municipal needs and for recreation." Rose said there's also a light at the end of the tunnel. "El Nino is now with us, and lot of our long-range models are all pointing toward a change in the weather pattern, occurring sometime this fall, probably about October going into November, with us going toward a pattern of above-normal rain," he said. "Whether these are drought breaking rains we don't know." Still, Rose said above-normal rains is really good news for the Central Texas area. So even though water levels aren't as bad as they could be, and more rainfall is expected in the fall, it's still a good idea to conserve water.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,585 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,243 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,188 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,353 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,341 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,705 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,498 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,751 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,499 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,060 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,644 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,671 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,185 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,089 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,912 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,607 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,888 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,445 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,673 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,361 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,824 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,519 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,876 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,375 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,363 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,646 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,399 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,567 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,070 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,326 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,430 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,977 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,366 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,649 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,272 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,945 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,009 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,386 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,772 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,674 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,655 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,682 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,257 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,926 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,671 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,390 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,202 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,465 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,816 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,409 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,212 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,077 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,331 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,779 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,422 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,630 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,589 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,759 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,691 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,507 Readers |
News Archives 2009 - Select a Month
|