A Silver Lining in the Floodwaters
The catastrophic flooding that swept through parts of the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend left a trail of destruction, claiming more than 100 lives and causing widespread damage. While the devastation is undeniable, there is one silver lining: several major reservoirs across the region received much-needed water after years of extreme drought. This unexpected relief has sparked interest among fisheries biologists and local officials who are closely monitoring the changes in water levels and their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Patrick Ireland, a representative with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, oversees several reservoirs in the area that were at or near record low levels before the recent floods. The deluge brought a significant rise in water levels, with some reservoirs increasing by more than a dozen feet. Although most of these lakes remain well below full capacity, the influx of water has provided a temporary boost to the region’s water supply.
Reservoir Water Level Increases
As of July 15, the following reservoirs have experienced notable increases in water levels:
- Canyon Lake: Current elevation of 890.38 feet, up from 878 feet pre-flood.
- Lake Travis: Current elevation of 669.43 feet, up from 637 feet.
- Lake Buchanan: Current elevation of 1,019.16 feet, up from 1,002.5 feet.
- Lake Georgetown: Current elevation of 802 feet, up from 780 feet.
- Lake Belton: Current elevation of 601.50 feet, up from 594.7 feet.
- Stillhouse Hollow: Current elevation of 631.85 feet, up from 620.5 feet.
- Waco: Current elevation of 469.78 feet, up from 462.7 feet.
These increases have been particularly significant for some lakes, such as Georgetown, which reached full capacity for the first time in years. However, not all reservoirs will see the same benefits.
The “New Lake Effect” and Its Impacts
Following periods of low water levels, the sudden rise in water can create what is known as the “new lake effect.” During droughts, dry lake beds allow vegetation like willows, salt cedars, and native grasses to grow. When water levels rise again, this vegetation decays and releases nutrients into the water, promoting the growth of plankton and aquatic plants. This process can lead to improved conditions for fish populations, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
However, the extent of this benefit depends on the specific characteristics of each reservoir. For example, Lake Georgetown’s steep-sided topography and fluctuating water levels have limited the growth of terrestrial vegetation along its shores. As a result, the “new lake effect” may not be as pronounced here as it could be in other reservoirs.
Similarly, Lake Travis did not show a significant increase in fish size after the 2011 drought, despite high water levels. Biologists believe this is due to the lack of low-lying terrain that could support extensive vegetation when flooded.
Regional Variations in Benefits
While some reservoirs are expected to see improvements, others may not experience the same level of benefit. Andrew Althoff, a fisheries biologist in Waco, notes that many of the lakes in his district had already filled to a greater degree in previous years. He expects only minimal impacts from the recent water level increases.
One exception is Lake O.H. Ivie near San Angelo, where rainfall totals of over 12 inches in early July led to a dramatic rise in water levels. The lake has seen an increase of more than seven feet since April, with approximately 2,500 surface acres newly flooded. This surge is expected to provide valuable habitat for fish populations, particularly for Lone Star bass.
Other nearby lakes, such as O.C. Fisher and Brady Creek, have also seen significant rises in water levels. Fisher, which was at just 1.2 percent of full capacity a year ago, is now at 19 percent of its capacity.
Looking Ahead
As the region continues to recover from the floods, officials will monitor how the increased water levels affect fish populations and overall ecosystem health. While the immediate benefits are clear, the long-term impacts will depend on factors such as water management practices, seasonal weather patterns, and the natural resilience of the local environment. For now, the floodwaters have provided a welcome reprieve for some of the region’s reservoirs, offering hope for future ecological recovery.
