The city of Austin has implemented a ban on all water activities on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam, effective until 5 p.m. Tuesday. This prohibition encompasses both personal and commercial watercraft, including wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and similar vessels.
This decision follows the Lower Colorado River Authority’s action to open floodgates on dams within the Highland Lake reservoir system, located upstream of Austin. The opening of these floodgates is expected to release a significant amount of water from recent storms, leading to potentially hazardous conditions on the waterways.
The city has issued a warning that water conditions may feature swifter currents and an increase in debris, rendering recreational and commercial activities unsafe. Additionally, residents are advised to steer clear of riverfront trails that could be affected by rising water levels.
