Central Texas Braces for Rising Waters as Buchanan Dam Opens Floodgates

Posted: Tue, 15 Jul 2025 03:36 PM - 9 Readers

By: Go Lake Travis

Lake Buchanan last opened its floodgates in October 2018

Lake Travis surged above ~682.13 feet in the weeks that followed

BURNET COUNTY, Texas — For the first time since October 2018, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has opened floodgates at Buchanan Dam to manage surging water levels in Lake Buchanan, a critical reservoir in the Highland Lakes system. The operation, initiated on July 14, 2025, marks a significant response to recent heavy rainfall and flooding across Central Texas, with implications for downstream lakes, particularly Lake Travis.

In October 2018, Lake Buchanan’s floodgates were last opened to release excess water following intense storms, a move that sent significant flows downstream. As a result, Lake Travis, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Austin, saw its water level rise above 682.13 feet, contributing to its recovery from prolonged drought conditions. At that time, the rapid influx of water helped replenish the lake, which serves as a primary water supply and recreational hub for the region.

Fast forward to July 2025, and Central Texas is once again grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding. Since July 3, Lake Buchanan has risen 16 feet to an elevation of 1018.32 feet, reaching 97% capacity—within 2 feet of its full pool of 1020 feet. To prevent overflow and mitigate flood risks, the LCRA opened four floodgates at Buchanan Dam on July 14, the first such operation since May 2019. The released water is now cascading through the Highland Lakes chain, impacting Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, and ultimately Lake Travis.

Lake Travis, which had been at just 43% capacity earlier this year due to persistent drought, has seen a dramatic turnaround. As of July 15, 2025, the lake has risen more than 29 feet since July 3, reaching approximately 670 feet—about 78% of its full capacity and the highest level since July 4, 2020. Current projections suggest Lake Travis could rise an additional 2 to 3 feet in the coming days as water from Lake Buchanan continues to flow downstream. This surge has already submerged the “Sometimes Islands,” small landmasses that emerge when Lake Travis is low, altering the lake’s familiar landscape.

The LCRA’s coordinated response aims to balance flood control with water supply preservation. Unlike Buchanan Dam, which has 37 floodgates and stands 145.5 feet tall, Inks Dam downstream lacks floodgates, causing water to spill over its spillway into Lake LBJ and beyond. No floodgates are expected to open at Mansfield Dam, which separates Lake Travis from Lake Austin, as Lake Travis remains below its full capacity of 681 feet.

The recent floods, described as “catastrophic” by local officials, have prompted widespread safety measures. Travis County has banned recreational watercraft on parts of Lake Travis upstream of Mile Marker 36 and Sandy Creek Park due to flood debris, fast-moving currents, and elevated bacteria levels. The City of Marble Falls has also closed Lake Marble Falls to recreational use, and the LCRA continues to urge residents to avoid the Highland Lakes for the immediate future.

The Lake Buchanan Conservation Corporation is stepping up to support affected communities, partnering with Lowe’s and Ark of the Highland Lakes to provide gift cards and discounts for rebuilding efforts in Burnet and Llano counties. A community meeting is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m. at Hill Country Hall to discuss further relief initiatives.

As Central Texas navigates this dynamic flood event, the LCRA remains vigilant, monitoring inflows around the clock and prepared to open additional floodgates if needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the LCRA’s Flood Operations Notification Service (FONS) at www.lcra.org/FONS and to report flood damage to aid recovery efforts.

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* story provided by Go Lake Travis