UPDATE: LCRA no longer plans to open a floodgate at Buchanan Dam on Sunday

Reduced flows into the lake mean floodgate operations not needed at this time

July 19, 2026

Key Takeaways

• LCRA has determined it will not need to open a floodgate at Buchanan Dam on Sunday afternoon, July 19.
• Flood operations continue at four of the six dams along the Highland Lakes due to recent heavy rains throughout the Highland Lakes watershed.

AUSTIN, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority has changed its plans to open a floodgate at Buchanan Dam on Sunday.

Projected flows into Lake Buchanan from the San Saba River watershed have decreased significantly. Based on current and expected conditions, LCRA hydrologists have determined a floodgate operation at Buchanan Dam will not be needed Sunday afternoon to move stormwater downstream.

Instead, LCRA plans to move storm runoff downstream using hydroelectric generation to keep Lake Buchanan from rising above its full level of 1,020 feet above mean sea level. Hydroelectric generation generally sends water downstream at a slower rate and has less impact on downstream lakes than a floodgate operation. If conditions change, it is possible LCRA may need to open one or more floodgates at the dam during this event.

Multiple floodgates remain open at Wirtz, Starcke, Mansfield and Tom Miller dams in the Highland Lakes. Based on current conditions, LCRA does not anticipate water will flow over the spillway at Inks Dam, which does not have any floodgates and is designed to pass floodwater downstream with flows over the spillway.

This remains a dynamic situation, and LCRA hydrologists continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and on the Highland Lakes so LCRA can respond to changing conditions in real time. Flood operations are likely to continue for several days.

Stay informed

• Current flood operations and lake levels: lcra.org/flood
• Real-time rainfall and river data: https://hydromet.lcra.org/
• LCRA’s Flood Operations Report: https://hydromet.lcra.org/floodstatus
• Floodgate alerts by call, text or email: lcra.org/fons
• Follow LCRA on Facebook (@lowercoloradoriverauthority), Instagram (@lowercoloradoriverauthority) and X (@LCRA)

Contact Info

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.