LCRA advises caution on lakes amid Central Texas flooding

AUSTIN, Texas — The devastating flooding rains that have struck Central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend have led to dangerous conditions for boaters and swimmers on the Highland Lakes in Central Texas.

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has advised people to avoid Lake Travis, Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls for a few days as a matter of caution to avoid flood debris, fast-moving flows and bacteria levels that traditionally increase following a flooding event.

“The lakes remain open, but as a precaution we are recommending everyone stay off lakes Travis, LBJ and Marble Falls until further notice,” said LCRA Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann said. “We want people to stay safe, and the wise decision under these conditions is to avoid being on these lakes at this time. This is especially important at night when visibility is reduced, as some of the navigational buoys that help guide boaters have been damaged or destroyed in the flooding.”

Central Texas has dealt with heavy rainfall the entire weekend, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches of rain over a two-day period.

According to LCRA, Lake Travis has risen more than 11 feet since Friday morning and is expected to continue rising. Lake Buchanan also has risen since Friday and is expected to rise at least 10 more feet in the next few days.

As of July 5, LCRA said it has flood operations underway at Inks Dam, which creates Inks Lake, Starcke Dam, which creates Lake Marble Falls, and at Wirtz Dam, which creates Lake LBJ.

The releases will flow into Lake Travis.