AUSTIN – Because of unsafe conditions caused by extensive flooding throughout the lower Highland Lakes chain, LCRA has decided to continue a temporary ban on recreational boating on Lake Travis and possibly other Highland Lakes through Thursday.

The ban covers Inks Lake and lakes Travis, Marble Falls and LBJ. The lakes will be closed until flood conditions improve and the public can use the lakes safely. Lake Travis — the most popular of the Highland Lakes — will remain closed through the holiday, while a determination will be made each day whether to open the other lakes.

People who operate a watercraft illegally in areas where watercraft are banned may face a Class C misdemeanor and fines up to $500 -- plus have their boat impounded.

All public boating ramps on Lake Travis operated by Travis County and LCRA also are closed because of the rising lake levels have swamped ramps, making access unsafe.

While from the shore parts of some lakes may appear clear, significant chunks of debris and dangerous water is evident from the air, according to LCRA officials who have toured the lakes from a helicopter.

Lake Buchanan remains open to recreational boating, but LCRA advises extreme caution for boaters.

Danger afloat on and just below surface of lakes
This weekend, large trees, propane tanks, electrical power lines and equipment and other debris are floating on top of and just below the surface on the upper half of the 64-mile-long Lake Travis. All these objects are moving downstream in murky currents, making boating conditions dangerous, especially since many of the channel markers and buoys marking hazards have become dislodged.

Because of such unsafe conditions, LCRA officials on Wednesday closed the lakes to recreation after torrential rains in the Hill Country sparked a surge in runoff into the Highland Lakes, causing a swift rise in lake levels and the commencement of floodgate operations.

“We’ve had a significant flood event, and it’s extremely unsafe to operate a boat in such dangerous waters,” said Jim Richardson, LCRA’s manager of Water Surface Management. “The worst kind of holiday would be one in which people are seriously injured or killed on a lake.”

LCRA also cautions lake residents to stay away from the dams, as the floodgate releases carry increased risks to bystanders.

The City of Austin officials have announced that the current boating ban for all of Lake Austin, Town Lake and the Colorado River will continue during floodgate operations. Check City of Austin site for updates.

Bacteria in the water
LCRA reminds people of the hazards associated with boating or swimming in water that has received runoff from heavy rains. Be aware that swimming in natural water bodies after flood events increases your risk of illness caused by bacteria. Higher bacteria levels typically return to normal in about a week to 10 days after the peak runoff.