As heavy rains continue across Central Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is urging residents and visitors to avoid the Highland Lakes due to dangerous flood conditions. With flood operations ramping up at multiple dams, officials warn that lake recreation is unsafe for the time being.
“We Texans love being on the lakes during the summer, but this is not the time and not the place,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “There continue to be significant flood flows throughout the Highland Lakes, and we strongly advise everyone to stay off the lakes for the next few days.”
In addition to swift currents, the lakes are filled with debris from recent flooding and elevated bacteria levels—common in the aftermath of major rain events. Hofmann emphasized that the safest choice is to stay out of the water until conditions stabilize.
The advisory applies to lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, and Travis. Local governments are taking action as well:
- The City of Marble Falls has temporarily closed Lake Marble Falls.
- Travis County has banned recreational use of Lake Travis upstream of Mile Marker 36 and Sandy Creek Park.
LCRA opened floodgates at Wirtz and Starcke dams, which form lakes LBJ and Marble Falls, and water is currently spilling over Inks Dam. On Monday afternoon, LCRA opened two floodgates at Buchanan Dam—the first time since May 2019. Additional gates may be opened as conditions evolve.
Since July 3, Lake Buchanan has risen 16 feet and is now 97% full. Lake Travis has surged more than 29 feet and sits at 78% capacity. Combined storage in both reservoirs has increased by nearly 700,000 acre-feet, reaching 86% of total capacity.
LCRA continues to monitor inflows around the clock and remains prepared to adjust operations as needed.
Stay Informed
- Real-time lake levels: LCRA River Operations Report
- Floodgate activity and forecasts: LCRA Flood Operations Report
- Sign up for notifications: Flood Operations Notification Service (FONS)
- Follow updates: LCRA on Facebook, Instagram, and X
For the latest updates on boating, fishing, and the great Texas outdoors, be sure to catch On the Dock with Rick Smith—presented by Marine Outlet of Temple, Texas, your “Just Add Water” boat dealership. Airing every Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 p.m. on KNCT.
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