The LCRA said it may need to open one or more floodgates at Buchanan Dam on Monday.
AUSTIN, Texas — Floodgate operations got underway on the Highland Lakes on Sunday morning as heavy rains again fell across Central Texas.
Forecasters are warning of more flash flooding across the Hill Country as rain falls in areas already saturated from last weekend’s rains.
As of 8:50 a.m., the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has opened one floodgate at Wirtz Dam at Lake LBJ. At 10 a.m., multiple floodgates were opened at Starcke Dam at Lake Marble Falls to release storm runoff flowing from the Llano River.
Heavy rains overnight caused the Llano River and its tributaries to rise. The runoff will be moved from Lake LBJ downstream into Lake Marble Falls, then downstream into Lake Travis, the LCRA said.
“Flows below the dams will be fast and water levels will be higher than usual,” the LCRA said. “Take action to protect people and property that may be affected.”
The LCRA said as inflows from weekend rains upstream of the Highland Lakes move into Lake Buchanan, it’s possible it may need to open one or more floodgates at Buchanan Dam on Monday.
A ban on recreational activities on Lake Travis was amended on Sunday. Instead of all of Lake Travis, only areas upstream from mile marker 36 and upstream of Sandy Creek Park are closed for recreational use.
This ban does not apply to commercial operators, emergency personnel or state and local agencies.