Feb. 14, 2019
LCRA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SAFETY ACTIONS FOR LAKE LBJ
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LLANO AND BURNET COUNTIES, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority on Thursday announced several significant actions to further enhance public safety on Lake LBJ following historic flooding last October.
The actions LCRA is implementing include:
Following the refill of the lake Feb. 24-27, 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 continues to be the responsibility of the property owner.
LCRA will designate the entire lake a nighttime no-wake zone following the refill of the lake. 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.
LCRA will mark the river channel through Lake LBJ with buoys from the confluence of the Llano and Colorado rivers downstream to Wirtz Dam, a distance of about 12 miles. The markers will include solar-powered lights to guide boaters at night.
LCRA will post signs at public boat ramps alerting visitors to use extreme caution on the lake. LCRA also will offer free warning signs to marinas and local property owners associations with boat ramps.
Effective immediately, the public may report unmarked hazards to [email protected]. The 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.
LCRA will remove abandoned flood-damaged docks from the lake.
“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.”
Lakes LBJ and Marble Falls are currently drawn down to allow property owners an opportunity to clean up debris and repair docks and other property damaged during last October’s flooding. The refill of Lake LBJ is scheduled to begin Sunday, Feb. 24, and conclude by the end of the day Wednesday, Feb. 27. The refill of Lake Marble Falls is scheduled to begin Monday, March 18, and conclude by the end of the day Thursday, March 21.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority 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.
Media contact:
Clara Tuma 512-578-3292