Lake Travis - Austin TX has many unexpected islands and dangers. The lake levels are so low right now they're the 5th lowest in Lake Travis history. If you're going to go out this Holiday weekend, or any day, please be aware of the dangers of the lake.
Here are some islands that we had to navigate around.
The water is so low, many docks weren't meant to float that far out. Many docks have collided into each other, and many docks have run out of ramp room.
There is currently only one public boat ramp still open on Lake Travis, Mandfield Dam park, and it's expected to close mid-week this next week. If you keep a boat on the water, you might want to think about taking it out or you might not be able to get it out later.
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Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
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* Lake Travis - Austin TX - The Unexpected Islands and Dangers * was first published on donnahomesblog.com
I have been hearing of this low lake water but your photos do bring it right up front. Amazing, and how very dangerous it could be for boaters and swimmers. Hopefully rain will come along soon in meaningful amounts.
Donna, this is a very good post for your area about boating safety. Just like in North Texas when we had those drought years with the stumps sticking out in the water, think of the HUGE and DANGEROUS hazard of these islands / sand bars when driving the boat around at night. You and your family have a safe and fun 4th of July!!!
Gail, I wish the rain we had last week would have done something, but nada! All the pictures of the docks and ramp are in my in-law's cove. It's dangerous back there so they're taking the boat out on Monday.
Gary, There aren't as many stumps in Lake Travis as Hubbard and others because they planned a little better down here! Plus, for the most part, the lake is deeper.
I have always wanted to visit Lake Travis. Is it as beautiful as the pictures I've seen in ads?
Hi Donna - its best for folks to stay off the lakes at night. It would be really hard to see those islands at night. We need a lot of rain, to help the likes, folks yards.
God Bless Texas
If you are not familiar with the lake, it can be dangerous when its low. Good idea sharing some pics so that people know type of conditions to expect.
Howdy there Donna
This here sure is a very important safety post for folks to read. Likes sure can be dangerous, when they are low. And your photos sure said's it all.
Angelia, Pictures in ads? I'm not sure. Here's a post I did a couple of weeks ago: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1124893/lake-travis-lakefront-homes
C & C, I know, but many were out. As we docked at about 7pm that night, several boats were just being put down the ramp. I can't imagine they would only be out for an hour...
John, My husband has hit stumps before in Hubbard and Lewisville when it's been low.
Dale, Thanks!
reminds me of how the lakes were here in 2006. I remember seeing docks that ended 100 feet from the water line at Ray Hubbard. And i think 2/3rds of Lavon was gone. hope we don't have another year like that anytime soon.
how's the water level on the Guadalupe? I haven't had a chance to go this year yet
John, Yeah, it got scary in '06 especially when we would drive to the Brazos river. It got to a point that I refused to pull the boat out of the water anymore because I was afraid the tires would slip and the boat with the truck would land in the water...
I haven't been to the Guadalupe since I graduated college in '98 so I couldn't tell ya...
To those of us who have sailed on this lake for 30 years, they are affectionately known as "Sometimes Islands" not Unexpected. They happen often with our unusual weather, and periods of sustained drought.
By the way Mansfield is the only boat launch open right now on Lake Travis and if there is not rain soon it too will close in the next week or so.