Lake Austin water levels during flood gate operations at Mansfield dam

During flood gate operations the City of Austin Fire Chief normally enacts a boat ban on Lake Austin for numerous reasons. My observation is that this generally does occur when multiple flood gates are open at Mansfield dam. However when only one or two flood gates are open the authorities have sometimes attempted to not enact a boat ban.

As can be seen in the photos below a single open floodgate at Mansfield can raise the water level by as much as two feet or more, in the upper region of Lake Austin.

To allow boating on Lake Austin during flood gate operations (even with a single open gate) is hazardous and poses significantly increased potential damage to both developed and undeveloped properties.

It is my request that a Lake Austin boat ban be enacted and enforced when one or more flood gates at Mansfield Dam are open. The boat ban should be automatic when any number of flood gates are open and should remain in effect until all flood gates are closed and water levels return to normal on all parts of Lake Austin.

If you agree please post your comments below.

Thanks, Mike Makuch

My boat dock, zone 18, normal lake level 492.

Click on any image to enlarge.

Nov 2001. 1 flood gate. 18" above normal.

July 2002. 5 flood gates. 7' above normal.

June 2004 1 gate. 20" above normal.

Nov 2004 4 gates. 6' above normal.

June 2007 1 gate plus. 24" above normal.

June 2007 4 gates. 5.5' above normal.