Inks Lake could rise due to heavy rainfall
Inks Lake could see an unexpected rise due to recent rains. The lake has been down about 8 feet since October to allow for maintenance and upkeep near the shore. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Inks Lake could experience rising water levels as heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding move through the Highland Lakes region over the next few days. Residents who have equipment or tools in the exposed lakebed are urged to remove them and stay prepared for rapid changes in water levels.
Inks Lake is currently 8 feet below its normal level and was scheduled for refilling by the Lower Colorado River Authority from Monday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Nov. 28. The river authority warns that the lake could see a rise sooner than expected due to heavy rains throughout the Hill Country.
The LCRA will track inflows throughout the Highland Lakes closely. Depending on how much runoff arrives, hydroelectric generation may be used to move stormwater through the system, and floodgate operations may be activated if needed. As water releases can occur without advance notice, the public is advised to use caution and avoid entering the water near the dams.
During periods of flash flooding, residents should take standard safety steps: limit travel when possible and never attempt to drive across flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
For continuing updates, LCRA encourages checking meteorologist Bob Rose’s Central Texas 5-Day Forecast as well as the River Report, which provides daily water supply information and long-range lake forecasts for lakes Buchanan and Travis.