AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Lower Colorado River Authority said it expects to close all flood gates Wednesday following July’s heavy rain and flooding in Central Texas. Gates at Buchanan, Wirtz and Starcke dams were opened Monday afternoon with Lake Buchanan considered full.
The LCRA issued an update on Wednesday morning, writing that all Buchanan Dam floodgates are closed, while a floodgate at Wirtz and Starcke dams is partially open. Water is still flowing over the spillway at Inks Dam, which doesn’t have flood gates.
Buchanan Dam separates Lake Buchanan from Inks Lake. Water from Lake Buchanan flows downstream and eventually ends in Lake Travis.
Lake Buchanan is at 1,019 feet. Lake Travis is about 10 feet away from full at 673 feet, according to LCRA lake level data on Wednesday. It’s Lake Travis’ highest water level since July 2020.
The LCRA shared several videos on its social media channels this week, showing water rushing through the dam and into Central Texas’ lakes.
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Ink Lake just downstream from Buchanan Dam on July 14, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Eric Henrikson) -
Buchanan Dam on July 14, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) -
Buchanan Dam on July 14, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) -
Ink Lake just downstream from Buchanan Dam on July 14, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Eric Henrikson) -
Ink Lake just downstream from Buchanan Dam on July 14, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Eric Henrikson)
“Lakes Buchanan and Travis are designed to fill during major weather events, and another reason why staying flood-ready is crucial in Flash Flood Alley. Our thoughts remain with those affected by this devastating flood,” LCRA said on X on Tuesday.
Before this week, Buchanan Dam last opened its flood gates in 2019. The LCRA closed one flood gate at Buchanan Dam on Tuesday.