Q: Why has the elevation of the upper end of Lake Travis at Starcke
Dam – at 676 feet above mean sea level (msl) – remained relatively unchanged during the drought, while the lake has dropped nearly 40 feet
at the other end at Mansfield Dam?

A: The upper end of Lake Travis sits on a land shelf that is higher in elevation compared to the other end of Lake Travis. The elevation of that lakebed is about 676 feet msl, which means that right now there’s not much water at the upper end of the lake unless LCRA is releasing water at Starcke Dam. The riverbed for Lake Travis is not flat but descends almost 200 feet to the Mansfield Dam location. As a result, Lake Travis will be relatively shallow at its upper end but much deeper at Mansfield Dam. That means you’ll see much greater fluctuation in the lake level at Mansfield Dam.

Q: Is LCRA state-owned? If I worked for LCRA, would my pay come from LCRA or the State of Texas?

A: LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. Unlike many other state agencies or organizations, LCRA does not receive any state appropriations. It operates on revenues from the sale of electricity, water and other services. Check “Jobs at LCRA” on our Web site to learn more about working at LCRA.

Q: There is a rumor that Lake Buchanan is becoming a constant level lake.
When? What level?

A: There's no truth to the rumor. Lake Buchanan has always fluctuated in elevation and will continue to do so, as do the rest of the Highland Lakes — Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis and Austin. You’ll see greater fluctuations on lakes Buchanan and Travis as LCRA operates them to provide water to the lower Colorado River basin, store rain and runoff, and make releases of floodwaters in a controlled manner, as needed. For more information about how LCRA manages the Highland Lakes, or to check the elevations of any of the lakes, visit the Water section on our Web site.

Have a question about LCRA or its operations, facilities and programs? E-mail your question to ASKLCRA@lcra.org.