Central Texas dams close Wednesday with lakes nearly full

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Lower Colorado River Authority said it closed all flood gates Wednesday following July's heavy rain and flooding in Central Texas. Gates at Buchanan, Wirtz and Starcke dams were opened Monday afternoon, with Lake Buchanan considered full.

On Wednesday morning, the LCRA said all Buchanan Dam floodgates were closed, while a floodgate at Wirtz and Starcke dams remained partially open.

Around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, the LCRA said all gates were closed, but water is still flowing over the spillway at Inks Dam, which doesn't have flood gates.

Buchanan Dam separates Lake Buchanan from Inks Lake. Water from Lake Buchanan flows downstream and eventually ends in Lake Travis.

Lake Buchanan is at 1,019 feet. Lake Travis is about 10 feet away from full at 673 feet, according to LCRA lake level data on Wednesday. It's Lake Travis' highest water level since July 2020.

The LCRA shared several videos on its social media channels this week, showing water rushing through the dam and into Central Texas' lakes.

"Lakes Buchanan and Travis are designed to fill during major weather events, and another reason why staying flood-ready is crucial in Flash Flood Alley. Our thoughts remain with those affected by this devastating flood," LCRA said on X on Tuesday.

Before this week, Buchanan Dam last opened its flood gates in 2019. The LCRA closed one flood gate at Buchanan Dam on Tuesday.