The water level of Lake Travis rose 20 feet within four days following heavy rains that hit Central Texas during the weekend.
A sharp increase in water levels follows several years of dry conditions at the well-known Texas reservoir close to Austin. Before the recent rainfall, the lake was just 43 percent filled, as reported by Water Data for Texas. Currently, the lake is 65 percent full.
contacted the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which oversees the reservoir, via email for their input.
Why It Matters
Over the weekend,
severe flooding swept across Central Texas
intense floodwaters overwhelmed Central Texas
massive floods rolled into Central Texas
violent floods hit Central Texas hard
extreme water levels rose in Central Texas
catastrophic flooding spread through Central Texas
powerful floods affected Central Texas
heavy rainfall caused devastating floods in Central Texas
floods of deadly intensity flooded Central Texas
dangerous waters poured through Central Texas
. Certain areas of the state received over 20 inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which linked the heavy precipitation to the leftover effects of Tropical Storm Barry, which developed the previous weekend.
Immediate flood alerts were distributed throughout Texas due to rising water levels. Over 100 individuals have lost their lives, among them 27 campers and staff members at
Mystic Camp located in Kerr County, Texas.
A greater amount of rainfall was recorded throughout the area on Monday.
What to Know
Many river water levels have dropped, and as of Tuesday morning, none were at moderate or high flood stages, per the National Water Center. Nevertheless, water levels at Lake Travis keep increasing.
The abrupt shift occurs as the lake has experienced a prolonged dry spell, leading to significant drops in water levels and changing both the terrain and activities near the reservoir. Often, the lake has remained below halfway capacity, revealing sections and previously underwater items seldom observed, like
secret pecan orchards and forgotten buildings.
A long-lasting drought resulted from a mix of intense heat, extended dry periods, and changing rain cycles throughout Texas. In recent summer seasons, the area faced severe heat waves that caused water levels in lakes, dams, and streams to drop. While weather experts observed that rainy phases—sometimes linked to the El Niño climatic phenomenon—provided brief respite at times, the drought continued to affect the region.
Unpredictable intense rainfall during 2024 contributed to increased water levels in Lake Travis throughout the previous summer, yet the lake experienced an ongoing gradual reduction afterward. According to John Hofmann, executive vice president of the LCRA, evaporation accounts for the most significant loss of water from the lake.
“The rate at which water evaporates in our region consumes as much water as the city of Austin,” Hofmann stated, as reported in a document by
CBS
Austin.
Researchers highlight that in addition to changes in weather patterns, human-related elements like rising population and higher water demand contribute to stress on Lake Travis. In periods of dryness, residents throughout the area are encouraged to reduce their water usage, including that applied for outdoor gardening purposes.
“The aspects within your power are your optional water usage. Keep concentrating on the importance of saving resources as summer approaches. Moreover, with the rising population in our region, I believe conservation should become an everyday practice,” Hofmann stated in the CBS Austin broadcast.
“What lies under your influence is how much extra water you consume. Maintain attention on the necessity of preservation efforts as we head towards the warmer months. In my view, considering the expansion happening in our community, sustainability must evolve into a standard lifestyle,” Hofmann mentioned during the CBS Austin segment.
“You have authority over your non-essential water consumption. Stay committed to implementing protective actions as we enter the summer season. Furthermore, due to the increasing development observed in this area, sustainable practices ought to be integrated into daily living,” Hofmann expressed in the CBS Austin coverage.
Nevertheless, more than just water flooded into Lake Travis during the weekend. Local weather experts cautioned boat owners against entering the lake as a pile of floating trash from the flooding approached the reservoir.
What People Are Saying
CBS Austin weather reporter Avery Tomasco shared on X on Friday:
The LCRA currently states that all 10 floodgates might have to remain open throughout the night at Starcke Dam to release excess water into Lake Travis. This involves an immense volume of water passing through LBJ and Marble Falls. A significant amount of trash will be moving rapidly. It would be wise to avoid boating for the remainder of the weekend.
The LCRA mentioned in a flood management report for the Highland Lakes, which encompasses Lake Travis:
The LCRA highly recommends avoiding the Highland Lakes over the coming days to steer clear of flood-related debris, rapid water currents, and elevated bacterial concentrations commonly seen following a flooding incident.
What Happens Next
Even though the water level of Lake Travis continues to rise, the speed of this increase has begun to decrease. While short periods of increased rainfall may briefly raise the water level, Lake Travis remains 22 feet lower than its maximum capacity, which is reached at 681 feet. Ongoing patterns of dry spells followed by heavy rains are anticipated to keep affecting the lake’s water levels.
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