Heavy rains and life-threatening flooding continue to hammer the Texas Hill Country, sending floodwaters surging down the Guadalupe River and placing Canyon Lake and nearby communities on high alert.
The upper Guadalupe River has already seen dangerous flooding through Kerrville and Comfort, with fast-moving floodwaters now headed downstream toward Canyon Lake. While the reservoir, northwest of New Braunfels, still has capacity to absorb some of the incoming water, officials are closely monitoring the situation.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Canyon Dam, say no floodgate releases are planned at this time. Releases only occur if water levels exceed 909 feet above sea level — a threshold the lake has not yet reached.
Over the past month, Canyon Lake’s water levels have remained relatively steady at just above 877 feet. But residents remain cautious, remembering the historic 2002 flood when the lake rose to an astonishing 950 feet.
The flood threat comes as the region grapples with the aftermath of relentless storms that have devastated parts of Kerr County and other areas along the river. More rain is expected, worsening the situation for already saturated ground and swelling waterways.
Canyon Lake, which spans over 8,200 acres and boasts 60 miles of shoreline, was created following the completion of Canyon Dam in the 1960s. It plays a critical role in flood control, water conservation, and recreation for the Hill Country. But in recent years, historically low water levels have posed challenges for residents, businesses, and tourism alike.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay away from floodwaters, avoid traveling through affected areas, and closely monitor updates from local officials.
The National Weather Service continues to issue flood warnings for the region as the situation evolves.
