LCRA drawdowns of lakes LBJ and Marble Falls begin Dec. 30
The Lower Colorado River Authority lowered Lake LBJ in 2017 so lakeside property owners could remove debris and maintain or repair docks, retaining walls, and other infrastructure. The authority is planning another drawdown of the lake, along with Lake Marble Falls, beginning Dec. 30 so property owners can clean up following historic flooding. File photo
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Lower Colorado River Authority will lower lakes LBJ and Marble Falls starting Dec. 30 for about eight weeks to assist lakeside property owners recovering from recent historic flooding along the Colorado and Llano rivers.
The drawdown will make it easier for residents to remove debris and maintain or repair docks, retaining walls, and other infrastructure.
“We were not planning to lower Lake LBJ again this soon because it was just lowered in 2017, but, after the flood, it’s clear property owners needed an opportunity to remove debris and repair their property,” said John Hofmann, the LCRA executive vice president of water. “We are hopeful the drawdown will assist in flood recovery and help get 2019 off to a good start.”
The drawdowns for both lakes will conclude Feb. 23.
The LCRA will lower Lake LBJ about 4 feet from its normal operating range of 824.4-825 feet above mean sea level to a range of 820.2 -820.8 feet above mean sea level. The authority will lower the lake about one foot per day for four days beginning Dec. 30.
Lake Marble Falls will be lowered about 7 feet from its normal operating range of 736.2-737 feet above mean sea level to a range of 729-730 feet above mean sea level. The lake will be lowered about one foot a day for seven days beginning Dec. 30.
A permit is not required for dock repairs on lakes LBJ and Marble Falls during the drawdown, but all work must comply with LCRA’s Safety Standards for Residential Docks on the Highland Lakes. Maintenance, dredging, debris removal, and repair on existing retaining walls during the drawdown can be performed under LCRA’s permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but the work must be registered with LCRA before it begins.
Registration forms are available:
• online at lcra.org/lakelowerings;
• by calling LCRA Water Quality Protection at (512) 578-2324;
• or in person at the LCRA Western Maintenance Facility, 2643 Wirtz Dam Road in Marble Falls, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Burning debris in the lakebed is not allowed.
Go to lcra.org/lakelowerings or call LCRA Water Quality Protection at (512) 578-2324 for more information.
