Lake level rebounds after rain
by Robyn Kenagy, Four Points News
Though spring-breakers may lament the rain that dampened the Austin area last week - as much as 8 to 10 inches in some areas and at least 2 to 4 in most, according to LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose - Lake Travis-area residents can rejoice in the knowledge that the rainfall raised the lake level by about 7 feet.
One immediate result of the change in the lake level is that three boat ramps which were out of service due to low water are now open for use again: Pace Bend, Sandy Creek and Bob Wentz Park. Although this will allow easier access to the lake, LCRA spokeswoman Krista Umscheid warned that boaters should always use extra caution after heavy rains.
Be aware of the fact that there could be debris floating in the water, Umscheid said. Just maybe slow down a little more than what you're used to. Be even more aware when you're out there. Safety-wise, there are always hazards on the lakes; they just change with the lake levels.
For those unaccustomed to the lake, Umscheid suggested making use of the buoy line, which marks the deepest part of the lake, to avoid running aground in shallow water. Also, where the lake runs between a steep cliff on one side and a sloping shoreline on the other, the deepest water will be nearer the cliff.
Last week's rain also has ramifications for swimmers, as bacteria levels in the lake are higher for about a week to 10 days after heavy rainfall. The biggest concern is E-coli, especially for swimmers with open cuts or who swallow lakewater.
Naturally, the rain washes anything from fertilizer - especially in the Hill Country area where you have lots of farmland and lots of livestock - to lots of manure into the lake, Umscheid said. Swimming in any natural body of water at any time is always a risk, but at this time it's a higher risk.
The rain came just in time to offset the need to release water for agriculture downriver, at least for the time being. Some water had already been released for farmers in Matagorda County, and there may be need for additional releases later in the season depending on rainfall and how many acres have been planted. Though the LCRA has been releasing water for agriculture since the 1930's, this is the first year that Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan have reached a combined low at which the LCRA is forced to curtail the amount of water sent downriver.
Even with the 7-foot rise in water levels, Lake Travis is set to reach an all-time low this year. The good news is there's still time for recovery. According to Umscheid, another four or five rains like last week - or one large storm dropping 10 or 12 inches of rain over the area - could refill the lake.
Historically, many droughts have been broken with floods, Umscheid said. A lot of people don't think of floods during droughts, but if you look at the pattern, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
by Robyn Kenagy, Four Points News
Though spring-breakers may lament the rain that dampened the Austin area last week - as much as 8 to 10 inches in some areas and at least 2 to 4 in most, according to LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose - Lake Travis-area residents can rejoice in the knowledge that the rainfall raised the lake level by about 7 feet.
One immediate result of the change in the lake level is that three boat ramps which were out of service due to low water are now open for use again: Pace Bend, Sandy Creek and Bob Wentz Park. Although this will allow easier access to the lake, LCRA spokeswoman Krista Umscheid warned that boaters should always use extra caution after heavy rains.
Be aware of the fact that there could be debris floating in the water, Umscheid said. Just maybe slow down a little more than what you're used to. Be even more aware when you're out there. Safety-wise, there are always hazards on the lakes; they just change with the lake levels.
For those unaccustomed to the lake, Umscheid suggested making use of the buoy line, which marks the deepest part of the lake, to avoid running aground in shallow water. Also, where the lake runs between a steep cliff on one side and a sloping shoreline on the other, the deepest water will be nearer the cliff.
Last week's rain also has ramifications for swimmers, as bacteria levels in the lake are higher for about a week to 10 days after heavy rainfall. The biggest concern is E-coli, especially for swimmers with open cuts or who swallow lakewater.
Naturally, the rain washes anything from fertilizer - especially in the Hill Country area where you have lots of farmland and lots of livestock - to lots of manure into the lake, Umscheid said. Swimming in any natural body of water at any time is always a risk, but at this time it's a higher risk.
The rain came just in time to offset the need to release water for agriculture downriver, at least for the time being. Some water had already been released for farmers in Matagorda County, and there may be need for additional releases later in the season depending on rainfall and how many acres have been planted. Though the LCRA has been releasing water for agriculture since the 1930's, this is the first year that Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan have reached a combined low at which the LCRA is forced to curtail the amount of water sent downriver.
Even with the 7-foot rise in water levels, Lake Travis is set to reach an all-time low this year. The good news is there's still time for recovery. According to Umscheid, another four or five rains like last week - or one large storm dropping 10 or 12 inches of rain over the area - could refill the lake.
Historically, many droughts have been broken with floods, Umscheid said. A lot of people don't think of floods during droughts, but if you look at the pattern, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
