Drought may ease with wetter summer

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Recent rains just scratched the surface when it comes to Central Texas’ exceptional drought. The dry ground soaked up much of the rain, preventing runoff. The Highland Lakes saw little improvement in water levels.

For recreational users, there are more dangers to be aware of in shallower times including underwater hazards. The Lower Colorado River Authority has a new campaign “Nobody’s Waterproof” that discusses what boaters need to think about before they hit the water.

"Just keep in mind this lake will look a little different and the depths may change as those lake levels change,” said Mark Jordan manager, River Management.

LCRA officials said, right now, Lake Travis sits at 654.37 feet above mean sea level. If it drops between 635 and 645 by the summer’s end, only two boat ramps will be useable. One of those would be Mansfield Dam's ramp.
 
If the drought continues, mandatory water use restrictions could go into effect late in the summer. It is just one more trigger that ensures the LRCA can meet water supply demands. The LCRA stresses that there is enough water to meet the area’s water supply demands, but conservation is necessary whether there is a drought situation or not.

“[The lakes are] fulfilling their primary roles as water supply reservoirs,” said Jordan. “So, we’ll be supplying water out of these reservoirs through the summer for cities, streams and irrigation so that means these lake levels will drop further.”

The good news is long-term forecasts are hinting at changes in the weather pattern.

"A phenomenon called La Nina, which has been partially responsible for our dry pattern, is on its way out right now," said LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose. "By early summer, in a more or less neutral pattern and trending toward El Nino later in the summer. That combined with other indices in the atmosphere make me think we’re going to start seeing a bit more frequent rains around the area.”

There is a chance of seeing near normal rainfall this summer. Temperatures are forecasted to be above normal, but Rose said not as hot as Summer 2008. Below is Mark Jordan from the LCRA's opinion on the lake levels: