Central Texas Dams Close Wednesday with Lakes Nearly Full

Texas reservoir fills to levels not seen in 20 years

Water levels at some Texas lakes continue to rise as excess water flows downstream from the floods over July 4 weekend.

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. Floods force Buchanan Dam to open flood gates for first time in years On Wednesday morning, the LCRA said all Buchanan Dam floodgates were closed, while a floodgate at Wirtz and Starck…

How dams upriver saved downtown Austin from catastrophic flooding

A system of dams and reservoirs was designed to hold in floodwaters. Crews monitor the water coming into the system and figure out when to store or release it downstream to decrease flood risk.