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 and 2026, 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 currently open.

 2026-  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 of Austin 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 early August 2026, Lake Travis is at or near full pool, with water levels holding around 681 feet above mean sea level (MSL), which represents approximately 100% of its conservation storage capacity. Recent measurements show the lake fluctuating slightly around this level due to inflows and controlled releases.

This reflects a rapid recovery from earlier in 2026, when lake levels were significantly lower. Heavy rainfall across Central Texas in July 2026 caused a sharp rise in water levels, with the lake briefly exceeding full pool and entering its flood pool, reaching elevations above 684 ft MSL during peak inflow periods.

Lake Travis is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) as part of the Highland Lakes system. While 681 ft MSL is considered “full” for water supply purposes, the reservoir is designed to store additional water in its flood pool—up to approximately 714 ft MSL—to mitigate downstream flooding risk.

The LCRA continues to actively manage lake levels through dam operations and controlled releases to balance water supply, flood control, hydroelectric generation, and recreational use. Water levels are expected to fluctuate in response to rainfall, inflows, and downstream demand.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is a constant-level reservoir managed through releases from Lake Travis via Mansfield Dam and controlled through operations at Tom Miller Dam. Unlike Lake Travis, which can experience significant elevation changes based on rainfall, inflows, and water storage conditions, Lake Austin is maintained within a relatively narrow operating range.

As of August 2026, Lake Austin is operating near its normal conservation pool elevation of approximately 492.8 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) identifies Lake Austin’s target operating range as approximately 491.8 to 492.8 feet MSL, with normal fluctuations occurring due to upstream releases, hydropower generation, and flood-control operations.

Following the significant rainfall and elevated inflows experienced across Central Texas in summer 2026, LCRA conducted flood-control and dam operations throughout the Highland Lakes system, including releases through Tom Miller Dam. These operations can temporarily affect flow conditions and surface levels on Lake Austin, even though the reservoir is designed to remain relatively stable.

Lake Austin continues to be managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority as part of the Highland Lakes system to balance water supply, flood control, hydroelectric generation, and recreational use. Current lake elevation and operating conditions are monitored through LCRA Hydromet reports.

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 2026 Flash Flood Event

  • In July 2026, Central Texas experienced a significant flooding event following intense rainfall across the Texas Hill Country and Colorado River watershed. Some areas received extreme rainfall totals, with localized reports approaching 20 inches, producing rapid flash flooding, dangerous river conditions, and widespread impacts across portions of Kerr, Travis, and surrounding counties. The event resulted in emergency responses, road closures, property impacts, and hazardous conditions throughout affected waterways.Lower Colorado River Authority Flood Operations

  • The heavy rainfall generated substantial inflows into the Highland Lakes system, causing Lake Travis to rise rapidly over a short period. Lake Travis reached full conservation capacity at approximately 681 feet above mean sea level (MSL) and entered flood pool conditions, prompting the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to initiate controlled floodgate operations at Mansfield Dam. LCRA also coordinated operations at Tom Miller Dam in Austin to safely manage increased downstream flows.LCRA Begins Floodgate Operations at Mansfield Dam

  • Due to elevated flows, strong currents, floating debris, and potential water-quality concerns following the flooding, recreational and commercial boating restrictions were temporarily implemented on portions of the Austin-area waterways. Lake Austin was included in the temporary restrictions while LCRA and the City of Austin monitored conditions and managed flood-control operations. Restrictions were lifted as flows decreased and waterways returned to safer operating conditions. City of Austin Waterways Ban Update City Reopens Lake Austin and Extends Waterways Ban South of Tom Miller Dam

 

(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.