Central Texas Flood Safety Guide

Lake Austin & Lake Travis 

2026

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Austin Flooding: Water Safety 

Stay informed and make the decision that’s right for you when considering going out on Lake Austin or Lake Travis after a significant rain event or flooding. In July 2025, the Edwards Plateau experienced significant flooding. Lake Travis and Lake Austin were significantly impacted, this page covers water levels, bacteria concerns, and flooding impacts:

FAQ

Yes, it is safe at this time. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) typically urges everyone to stay off the Highland Lakes, including Travis and Austin, due to elevated bacteria, debris, and fast-moving water typicaly 3-4 days following flooding. The City of Austin also temporarily closes Lake Austin and surrounding waterways.

🔗 LCRA public advisory on lake safety
🔗 City of Austin algae and lake safety updates

 

Flood runoff often increases harmful bacteria (like E. coli) and introduces nutrients that feed toxic algae. While Austin Water has not reported dangerous blooms in Lake Austin or Travis as of early July, conditions can change rapidly.

🔗 Austin Water’s official algae monitoring page
🔗 LCRA’s overview on algae in the Highland Lakes
🔗 Post-flood health hazards report via Statesman

All lakes are open.

On July 8, 2025 Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Creek, Bull Creek, and segments of the Colorado River were closed to public access due to unsafe water conditions. These remained in place for 3 days by the city and LCRA officials.

🔗 Flood-related lake closure updates from MySanAntonio
🔗 LCRA’s lake operations and flood response page

During a flood, Lake levels on Lake Travis can surge more than 20 feet in under 24 hours. Authorities typically restrict boating and swimming until:

  • Water levels stabilize

  • Bacteria/algae levels drop to safe thresholds

  • Debris is cleared

Stay updated with official sources:

🔗 Hydromet live lake level & flood status (LCRA)
🔗 CBS Austin report on Lake Travis surge
🔗 Express News: Park and recreation area closures

Lake Levels

Lake Travis

As of January 26, 2026, Lake Travis is approximately 667.32 ft MSL and about 78.2 % full of its conservation storage capacity, with the water surface around 13.6 ft below full pool (681 ft).

The lake has declined from higher post-flood levels during mid-2025, when levels briefly neared 90 % full following significant inflows from historic rains.

Lake levels remain managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to balance water supply, recreation, and flood risk.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is designed as a constant-level reservoir maintained by releases from Lake Travis through Tom Miller Dam.

Precise current level data for Lake Austin’s MSL elevation are available through the LCRA/Hydromet lake reports, which show stable operating levels typical for winter, but these fluctuate less than Lake Travis.

Bacteria & Water Quality

  • Authorities across Central Texas are warning of elevated bacteria levels in lake waters due to flood runoff and debris.

  • The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) explicitly cautioned against entering lakes (including Travis and Austin) because of high bacteria levels and debris.

  • While Austin Water hasn’t detected harmful algae in Lake Austin or Lake Travis as of early July, toxic algal blooms are appearing in Lady Bird Lake, serving as a cautionary indicator.

Flooding Update

(July 4/25) Flash Floods

Humanitarian Impact

  • The tragedy left over 100 people confirmed dead, with approximately 109 fatalities in the region, including seven in Travis County.

  • Swift water rescues—via helicopter and boat—saved hundreds. However, the speed and scale of flooding overwhelmed infrastructure and alert systems.

  • Ongoing search-and-rescue operations continue, especially around camps like Camp Mystic.