Lake Austin Levels Rise

Around West Lake Hills Texas-Friday July 17th 2026 18:11. Lake Austin is flowing as viewed from just below the Emmett Sheldon bridge. The water level is higher than usual after the opening of a flood gate at the Tom Miller Dam. Heavy rains upstream have created runoff levels sufficient to trigger the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to open a flood gate at the Tom Miller Dam. At 0600 today the Mansfield Dam, straight line ten miles upstream, will also open a flood gate to cope with water levels reaching 681 feet. 681 feet is considered the first "full level." If levels rise further then the rate of release will increase as a matter of Dam safety. Such releases would be less discretionary of potential downstream effects.