How LCRA's system of dams works

LCRA uses a number of guidelines to operate the chain of six Highland Lakes and dams. Operating guidelines for Lake Travis and Mansfield Dam — the only structures in the Highland Lakes chain specifically designed to contain floodwaters — were developed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. LCRA controls floods at lakes Buchanan and LBJ according to an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These quidelines are summed up in LCRA's Water Management Plan.

On the map below, you can follow how LCRA manages floods by clicking on the numbered labels to see how the lakes and dams work together as a single system.

On the map above, you also can:

See the estimated time it takes for water to flow to Mansfield Dam from upper basin locations, and how long it takes to reach downstream locations from Mansfield. Note: The flow times above are estimates. Water travel times can be shorter during floods and longer during times of low flow.
Click on the labels of the dams for more information on each of the six dams along the Highland Lakes.
Click on the names of cities and lakes to see the latest streamflow and lake and river level information from key points on LCRA's network of more than 200 gauges throughout Central and South Texas.

See lake and river data for streamflow and stage readings from other locations, plus weather and historical lake level information.

Note: the map above is for illustrative purposes; it is not drawn to scale.

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