“LCRA will be closely monitoring for inflows to the Highland Lakes that might require hydroelectric generation to pass storm runoff or floodgate operations to pass floodwaters through any of the Highland Lakes dams,” the agency shared in the Monday post.

While LCRA officials noted Tuesday morning that “no gate operations to pass floodwaters are expected” at this time, that can change quickly as forecasted rainfall enters the area. 

“Unscheduled releases from the Highland Lakes dams may occur suddenly and unexpectedly at any time due to emergency hydroelectric generation or other reasons,” LCRA wrote. “The public should exercise caution and avoid being in the water near the dams at all times.”

Here in Austin, the Texas capital’s main lakes are reporting fuller levels this week compared to this time last year, thanks in part to rain spells in recent months.

Lake Travis is reportedly 84.3% full as of Tuesday, July 14, according to data provided by Water for Texas. It represents a notable improved compared to six months ago, when the lake was at 78.1% on January 14, and one year ago, when Lake Travis registered 77.3% full on July 14, 2025.

Over at Lake Austin, one of the capital’s crown jewel recreation sites sat at 96.2% full Tuesday morning, a slight improvement from its 95.8% full status on January 14 and a tiny dip from its 96.5% full stance on July 14, 2025.

Data from the United States Geological Survey reported the provisional gage height of the Colorado River in Austin — defined as the height of the river’s surface above a specific measuring point — is 15.31 feet as of nearly 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning. That remains lower than the four-tiered flood stages under USGS’ measurement system:

Tuesday’s provisional recording is higher than the median gage height for the Colorado River in the Texas capital on this date, when evaluating 14 years’ worth of data. The median height for this stretch of waterway is reported at 12.305 feet, per USGS.

A high-risk flood warning has been issued for parts of the state west of San Antonio. A level three warning was issued for the I-35 corridor with more rain expected overnight into the early morning Wednesday, July 15.