LCRA warns of emerging boating, swimming hazards on Lake Travis

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/lcra-warns-of-emerging-boating-swimming-hazards-on-1551444.html

Falling water levels in Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan are creating more water hazards, prompting authorities to close another public launch ramp and caution boaters of emerging hazards.

Lake Travis is 24 feet below what it normally is in June, so boaters and swimmers might encounter rocks and large drops they're not used to, said Bob Rose, the Lower Colorado River Authority's chief meteorologist. Lake Travis is 55 percent full at 647.4 feet deep; Lake Buchanan, at 64 percent full, is 10 feet below its average 1,004.7 feet depth.

"There's still a lot of water" in Lake Travis, said Don Brent, LCRA chief of public safety. "But this place is constantly changing."

Boats in Lake Travis are running aground more than usual, he said, and accidents are more common at night when shallow areas are practically invisible. Most damage is minor and to the hull, propeller or motor.

Brent urged boaters to wear personal flotation devices and to take note of mile markers on the lake, so they can give a location if they do get in an accident.

"There is a big difference between being in a car accident and a boat accident," he said. "In a boat, the passengers are thrown around on the boat and out of the boat.

"When you come to the lake, please don't leave your common sense at home," Brent said.

The LCRA is trying to mark hazards in the lake with orange buoys, Brent said, but it's "impossible to mark all these obstructions."

But no...... we get sanctuary cities bill instead. :mad:

One little town about 70 miles up the river chain from Austin has almost run out of water already. The reservoirs (Highland Lakes) are dropping at break-neck speed and there's no relief in sight. This drought is unique in that it's so severe so early on. If this drought persists for the usual two or more years, we going to be wringing out prickly pears for moisture.

Honestly - we can not sustain this level of water thirsty grass. Rocks and gravel and cactus look just fine for landscaping. It's our new reality.

:shrug: