LCRA to remove debris from Highland Lakes
Austin M. Berry/Contributed Image
Images of an exposed sandbar, just off Beaver Island near Granite Shoals lakeshore, offered a glance into debris which remains in the waterway, following the October flood in the Highland Lakes. LCRA officials announced Feb. 14 they will take steps to remove some debris which could pose a public safety risk.
Special to The Highlander
The Lower Colorado River Authority announced several significant actions to further enhance public safety on Lake LBJ following the historic flooding of last October, according to a press release Feb. 14 from the entity.
Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls are currently drawn down to allow property owners an opportunity to clean up debris and repair docks and other property damaged during the flooding.
The refill of Lake LBJ is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Feb. 24 and conclude by the end of the day on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The refill of Lake Marble Falls is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 18 and conclude by the end of the day on Thursday, March 21.
Following the refill of the lake, LCRA crews will:
• Assess conditions and mark or, where possible, remove navigational hazards in the main body of the lake. Debris on the shoreline and on private property will continue to be the responsibility of the property owner.
• Designate the entire lake as a nighttime no-wake zone following the refill. By law, “nighttime” is defined as from 30 minutes after sundown to 30 minutes before sunrise. Violation of the no-wake requirement is a Class C misdemeanor. The nighttime no-wake speed limit will be in force until further notice.
• Mark the river channel through Lake LBJ with buoys for a distance of approximately 12 miles from the confluence of the Llano and Colorado Rivers downstream to Wirtz Dam. The markers will include solar-powered lights to guide boaters at night.
• Post signs at public boat ramps alerting visitors to use extreme caution on the lake. LCRA will also offer free warning signs to marinas and local property owners associations with boat ramps.
• Remove abandoned flood-damaged docks from the lake.
Effective immediately, the public may report unmarked hazards to AskLCRA@lcra.org. Each report should include a detailed description of the object and the location, and a photo, if possible. LCRA's Water Surface Management team will investigate all reports and take appropriate action to address corroborated hazards.
“We are taking these actions to further enhance public safety,” said Phil Wilson, LCRA general manager. “Anyone on the lake should use caution and their best judgment.
“This flood fundamentally altered the look, feel and topography of the Colorado River through the Highland Lakes. This is the nature of life on the river and is part of the river's natural cycle.”
The LCRA serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering access to nature at more than 40 parks, recreation areas and river access sites along the Texas Colorado River, from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit lcra.org.
