Latest news with #LCRA
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Texas lake hits 100% capacity after 15 years — officials urge caution amid flooding fears
Heavy rains filled Lake Buchanan in Texas, a first since 2005. Authorities released water to prevent floods. The lake reached full capacity after significant rainfall. Climate change is cited as a factor. Experts suggest reducing air pollution to mitigate future flooding. Individuals can help by adopting eco-friendly practices. Every small action counts towards a larger impact. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Officials take action to avoid floods Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this happening? What can people do about it? FAQs Water levels in Texas water bodies have broken decades old records after heavy rainfall in the past few weeks. Even Lake Buchanan has reached almost hundred percent of its capacity for the first time since 2005 after the deadly rain happened after 22 inches of rain fell in the Highland Lakes region over the July Fourth weekend. On July 2, Lake Buchanan was only 60% full, but just weeks later, it's completely full, according to the TCD Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) opened Lake Buchanan's flood gates to release extra water — first time since 2019. The move could prevent flooding and control the heavy flow of water through the system of the Highland Travis gets water from lake Buchanan and due to its hundred percent capacity might overflow. At the moment, Lake Buchanan has little space to hold water. However, officials have said that it can handle 15 more feet of water, but urged caution saying that the situation is being monitored for possible flood risks, News week say that the sudden change in climate in central Texas is an example of what extreme climate change can do to water bodies. Central Texas went from a drought to now flooding in a matter of reason was the enlarged capacity of hot air to hold moisture experts also suggest that for every 1° F rise in temperature 4% more water increases in the air above the lands which can make storms, heavier and rainfall disastrous. Since 1970, the intensity of hourly rainfall has gone up 15% across 126 U.S. like New York are not built to handle big amounts of rain fast. Concrete and roads don't let water soak in, so it all rushes into old storm drains, which get overloaded and cause flash floods. Flash floods can kill people, damage homes, ruin infrastructure, and make insurance more expensive, as per the TCD reduce the risk of heavy rain and flooding, we need to cut down air pollution. Polluted air holds more moisture, which can lead to stronger storms and more are some simple things people can do: Riding a bike instead of driving, using public transport, growing your own food, switching to electric vehicles, and installing solar panels are all small steps that help reduce pollution. As the report TCD says, 'No one can do everything, but if everyone does something — it adds up.'Officials opened the floodgates to release extra water after the lake reached full capacity for the first time in 15 years, to prevent flooding rainstorms in early July 2025 dropped up to 22 inches of rain, rapidly filling the lake from 60% to 100% in just a few weeks.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning after lake in Texas hits 100% capacity for first time in 15 years: '[One of] the most important ... in Central Texas'
Officials issue warning after lake in Texas hits 100% capacity for first time in 15 years: '[One of] the most important ... in Central Texas' Weeks after devastating rainstorms unleashed deadly flash floods across Central Texas, some lakes in the region have reached water levels not seen for decades, Newsweek reported. In response, officials issued a warning that flood gates would be opened to release excess water from Lake Buchanan, which local news outlet KXAN called one of "the most important lakes in Central Texas." In mid-July, the waters of Lake Buchanan reached 1,020 feet above mean sea level, a level not touched since March 2005, KXAN reported. As the lake neared its maximum capacity, officials ordered its flood gates to be opened for the first time since 2019. "This coordinated response helps manage significant water inflows across the Highland Lakes system," the Lower Colorado River Authority announced, per Newsweek. Waters released from Lake Buchanan flow through a downstream network of lakes into Lake Travis, which, despite also reaching levels not seen in years, still had the capacity to hold about 15 feet of additional water, per KXAN. The amount of rainfall taken in by the lakes over such a short period of time has astounded observers. As recently as July 2, the LCRA said that Lake Buchanan stood at 60% capacity. Just weeks later, the lake had reached its maximum level. Rainstorms over the July Fourth weekend brought as much as 22 inches of rain to the Highland Lakes region, according to the LCRA. The deluge caused rivers to overrun their banks, resulting in catastrophic flash floods that tragically killed more than 100 people. For decades, scientists have predicted that, as global temperatures rise, the intensity of severe weather events also would increase. The transformation of the Highland Lakes system from drought-stricken to nearing maximum capacity within a matter of weeks is an example of this intensity. Rainstorms in particular become more severe as temperatures rise because warmer air can hold significantly more moisture. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit that the temperature increases, air can absorb 4% more moisture, according to Climate Central. Since 1970, hourly rainfall intensity has increased 15% across 126 U.S. cities, according to a study by the independent group of scientists and communicators. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As recent flooding in New York City illustrated, urban areas are ill-equipped to absorb large influxes of water. Paved ground gives water nowhere to go but storm drains, which have a limited capacity and can be decades old, if not older. This leads to flash floods, which cost lives, destroy homes, devastate communities, and cause billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage, making insurance premiums more expensive everywhere. In order to avoid the worst impacts of rising global temperatures, it is necessary to lower the amount of heat-trapping pollution that is released into the atmosphere, largely from burning fossil fuels. While the problem might seem so large as to be insurmountable, taking simple, everyday actions does add up, especially if multiplied by millions of people. For example, riding your bike instead of driving whenever possible is a great way to reduce pollution while also getting some exercise and saving money on gas. Other steps include taking public transit, growing your own food, driving an EV, and installing solar panels on your home. While no one can do everything, if everyone does something, it will add up to a meaningful difference. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Floodwaters still pose risk in Austin lakes
Swimmers and boaters should be cautious this week as floodwaters move through Austin waterways, but Austin Water officials say the area's drinking water remains safe. Why it matters: The Highland Lakes are a main source of water for Central Texas, and the July 4 floods moved debris and bacteria into popular recreational waterways. Driving the news: The Lower Colorado River Authority, the nonprofit utility that manages the Highland Lakes and the river, urged visitors to use caution on the lakes through the rest of this week. What they're saying:"Anyone who chooses to boat or swim in the lakes now needs to understand there is a risk of encountering flood debris and heightened bacteria levels, including E. coli," LCRA spokesperson Clara Tuma told Axios in an emailed statement Monday. Catch up quick: LCRA opened floodgates at five of the six dams along the Highland Lakes — Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke and Tom Miller — over the last two weeks to move storm runoff downstream and into Lake Travis. Between the lines: Swimming remains safe in San Marcos and New Braunfels, according to Virginia Parker, the executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation. Zoom in: Recent rains haven't resulted in drinking water quality changes, according to Austin Water spokesperson Martin Barbosa. "Austin Water closely monitored recent rains and floods upstream, and our water treatment plants remained fully prepared," Barbosa said in an emailed statement. "During the recent weather conditions, there have been no issues with water pressure." What's next: LCRA expects bacteria levels to normalize in the Highland Lakes by later this week, but urges caution in murky, stagnant or smelly areas.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Texas Reservoir Map Shows How Water Levels Compare After Floods
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Many reservoirs and lakes in Central and Eastern Texas are near capacity two weeks after floods inundated the region over the Fourth of July weekend, state data shows. Newsweek reached out to the Texas Water Development Board (TWBD) by email for comment. Why It Matters The Lone Star State has battled years of drought that have seen many of its popular reservoirs' water levels plunge to dangerously low levels. In 2023, water levels at Lake Travis became so low they revealed previously hidden pecan groves and a concrete plant. Over Independence Day weekend, torrential rain battered Central Texas, prompting the swift and significant rise of area rivers that brought floods throughout the region that ultimately killed more than 100 people. Nearly two weeks later, the water has worked its way into area lakes and reservoirs across the region. Canyon Lake is seen in Texas Hill Country. Canyon Lake is seen in Texas Hill Country. Jacqueline Cooper/Getty What To Know As of Friday, Texas reservoirs are 80.5 percent full statewide. A map from Water Data for Texas shows dozens of reservoirs across the state and their current water levels. Some of these bodies of water usually hover near or at full capacity, such as Whitney Lake and Grapevine Lake, both of which have not dipped below 99 percent full in the past year. Others, however, have exhibited a significant recovery over the past month. For example, Brady Creek Reservoir in McCulloch County was only 30 percent full a month ago. Now, the reservoir is 100 percent full. Much larger reservoirs, like Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis, also have undergone significant recovery. Lake Buchanan reached full capacity this week, prompting Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) officials to open the floodgates at Buchanan Dam for the first time since 2019 to release water from the reservoir. A month ago, Lake Buchanan was only at 61 percent capacity. Lake Travis water levels have surged 36 feet since July 4, putting the lake at around 88 percent capacity, the highest it's been since spring of 2020. The lake is expected to continue rising to 675 feet over the next few days, an LCRA spokesperson told Newsweek, putting it only 6 feet below full capacity. Despite the vast improvement in reservoirs across the central and eastern parts of the state, reservoirs in Northern and Southern Texas remain parched. Water Data for Texas shows Palo Duro Reservoir in far northern Texas is only 1.2 percent full. Medina Lake west of San Antonio is only 6 percent full, although the level is improved over this time last year, when it was only 2.2 percent full. What People Are Saying A Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) spokesperson told Newsweek: "Levels in Lake Buchanan, one of two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes, will vary depending on a number of factors, including rainfall, evaporation levels and water use by LCRA water customers." CBS Austin meteorologist Avery Tomasco in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "Texas droughts end in Texas floods. Two months ago -> today. Our ~5 year drought has been almost entirely erased." Texas droughts end in Texas floods. Two months ago -> today. Our ~5 year drought has been almost entirely erased #atxwx #txwx — Avery Tomasco (@averytomascowx) July 17, 2025 What Happens Next? Some reservoirs in Texas are expected to continue rising as water releases, such as that from Lake Buchanan, flows downstream. Others, however, are more dependent on factors such as the weather and water usage throughout the summer.
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Texas Reservoir Fills to Levels Not Seen in 20 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Excessive rainfall this month has eliminated much of the drought across Texas, with some lakes jumping more than 30 feet in less than two weeks. Among the lakes witnessing a significant rise is Lake Buchanan, a popular reservoir in Central Texas. Why It Matters Texas has battled years of drought that have seen many of its popular reservoirs' water levels plunge to dangerously low levels. For example, in 2023, water levels at Lake Travis became so low they revealed previously hidden pecan groves and a concrete plant. Lake Buchanan has seen similarly volatile water levels in recent years. A year ago, the levels were 73 percent full. As of the most recent measurements, levels were 99.8 percent full, according to Water Data for Texas, which is considered full capacity for the lake. A photo shows Lake Buchanan in Central Texas. A photo shows Lake Buchanan in Central Texas. Ryan Conine/Getty What to Know Over Independence Day weekend, torrential rain battered Central Texas, prompting the swift and significant rise of area rivers that brought deadly floods throughout the region. More than 100 people died. Nearly two weeks later, the water has worked its way into area lakes and reservoirs. Water levels at Lake Travis continue to rise, and Lake Buchanan was recently considered full when its levels hit 1,020 feet. Although Lake Buchanan was considered full in 2019 when its levels hit 1,018 feet, the reservoir hasn't hit the 1,020-foot level since March 2005, KXAN reported. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which manages Lake Buchanan, opened the floodgates at Buchanan Dam to let out some of the water earlier this week. "Unlike Lake Travis, Lake Buchanan has no room to store floodwaters after it is full. LCRA manages Lake Buchanan to a maximum level of 1,020 feet above mean sea level," an LCRA report on flood management said. The floodgates were closed on Wednesday afternoon, an LCRA spokesperson told Newsweek. "Floodwater from Lake Buchanan was sent downstream through the series of dams on the Highland Lakes to Lake Travis, the only lake on the Highland Lakes with room to store floodwaters," the spokesperson said. "Our short-term projections are that Lake Travis will rise up to 675 feet above mean sea level over the next several days. As of 3:40 pm Central Time today Lake Travis is at 673.79 ft msl, or 88% full." What People Are Saying An LCRA spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "We have seen similar relatively large increases in the history of Lake Travis, which is in Flash Flood Alley." LCRA posted on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this week: "Floodgate operations from Lake Buchanan today. LCRA opened a total of four floodgates at Buchanan Dam on July 14 – the first floodgate operations there since May 2019. This coordinated response helps manage significant water inflows across the Highland Lakes system." CBS Austin reporter Bettie Cross posted on X: "Lake Buchanan hasn't looked like this in 15 years. It's 100% full. The LCRA is preparing to open 2 floodgates this afternoon. It will be the first time the @LCRA has opened a floodgate at Buchanan Dam since 2019." What Happens Next Water levels at Texas lakes and reservoirs will change throughout the summer depending on heat, water usage, and if there's continued rainfall in the region.
