Lake Travis down to one open boat ramp

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Only one public boat ramp remains open on Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan as the lake levels continue to dip way below average.

The lack of rain and increased water usage is contributing to the lowest lake levels in nine years. The Lower Colorado River Authority is releasing water downstream to supply the southern part of the state with water.

While backing her boat into Lake Travis on the ramp at Mansfield Dam Park, Stephanie Jensen asked her kids on board, "Can you put the cooler on the floor please?”

Jensen, who has been boating on the lake for 20 years, decided to bring the crew out Monday to beat the Fourth of July crowd.

"This is probably the lowest it's ever been that I've actually been on it,” said Jensen.

Her son, Chris, just got his boating license. He will have to be extra cautious behind the wheel to avoid the stumps and islands popping up in the extreme drought.

"We stay away from the sides,” said Jensen. “We try to stay in the river channel."

LCRA said the lack of rain and increased water usage are contributing to the lowest lake level in nine years. Monday, the depth was 643.95 feet, which is 27.39 below the average depth. If the lake drops about four more feet, the only open public boat ramp at Mansfield Dam Park will be closed. Lake Travis is going down about two feet a week.

Currently, hydro-electric generators at several of the dams are releasing water downstream to farmers and water utilities in the southern region of the state. LCRA said it is something they typically do in the spring to make room for flood waters during hurricane season.

Lake Travis is normally lowered first, and Lake Buchanan follows. LCRA decided to do it simultaneously, so one lake will not be substantially lower during the summer.

"As you can see, the recreation, which is a great side benefit, is secondary to the actual use of those waters,” said LCRA spokesperson Krista Umsheid.

Despite the negative affects on water recreation, Umsheid said there is more than enough water to sustain the necessary water supply in the region. It is a move at least one mom can deal with.

"I think it's more important to give water to those who need it for their livelihoods or just their day to day needs,” said Jensen.