LCRA opens Buchanan Dam flood gates
Contributed/Cory Evans, Inks Lake State Park
The Inks Lake State Park Store is quickly surrounded by water after eight flood gates at Buchanan Dam are opened Tuesday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 17. Waters quickly filled Inks Lake over its normal level after the opening of the gates, prompting the closure of the park and its entry road, Park Road 4 for the time being.
By Savanna Gregg
Staff Writer
The Highlander
After buckets of rain filled the Colorado and Llano Rivers on Tuesday, Oct. 16, the Lower Colorado River Authority made the decision to open eight flood gates at Buchanan Dam to release much of the floodwaters.
This in turn created a hazard for residents living along Lakes Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke, Mansfield, and Tom Miller as waters began to rush through the Highland Lakes on Tuesday evening.
To ensure the safety of its campers and visitors, officials at Inks Lake State Park decided to close their trails on Tuesday, Oct. 16 when the first four gates were opened.
Upon the next four gates being opened on Wednesday, Oct. 17, park officials made the decision to close the park entirely, moving 34 campers out and discouraging other visitors as waters continued to rise.
“The lake is still at its maximum level and is holding steady,” said park superintendent Cory Evans on Thursday. “It is about seven and a half feet above normal lake level right now.
“Park Road 4 was also closed due to the additional water that would be up on the roadway.”
Waters rose up to many cabins along the banks of Inks Lake throughout the park, and approached the porch of the park store.
“Barring any additional rainfall, we are anticipating opening back up on Friday, October 26,” Evans said.
Park Road 4 also remains closed; Evans added that LCRA hopes to open it back up by Saturday, but this depends on the additional rainfall as well.
Due to the collapse of the 2900 bridge in Kingsland on Tuesday, phone and internet lines to the park remain down as of Thursday. Inks Lake State Park officials ask individuals with questions about reservations to call 512-389-8900.
The park continues to update their followers on their Facebook page as more information comes available. For more information or to view more photos of the rising water, visit the page at facebook.com/inkslakestateparktexasparksandwildlife.
