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Lake Travis in Austin

By
Real Estate Agent with Sherlock Homes Frisco TREC #574729

Lake Travis stretches 65 miles upriver from western Travis County. This is the largest storage capcity of the seven reservoirs known as the Highland Lakes.

The lake is used for flood control, water supply, electrical power generation and recreation.

The lake is considered to be al its maximum capacity when the water level reaches 681 feet above mean sea level.

Below is a graph showing the water levels of Lake Travis in the past 5 years.Photo by Lakes Online

 

(Photo by Lakes Online)

The graph shows that as of May 2015, the water level has risen for about 14 feet.

The extreme drought of 2008-2009 brought thelake to its fourth lowest level at 626.09 feet above msl in November 2009 according to Wikipedia. Levels went as low as 618 feet during the 2010-2013 Southern United States drought which makes it the third lowes level ever. However, this April 2016, the lake has returned to its full capacity at 681 ft.

The information below shows the Current Lake Travis Water Level and history of Lake Travis Water Level.

Photo by Go Lake Travis

(Photo by Go Lake Travis)

On the other hand, Lake Travis is also used for recreation. The lake primarily serves as the primary flood control reservoir of the Highland Lake chain where the level of the lake can therefore vary dramatically depending on the amount of rainfall in the Colorado River basin upstream.

Even though there are risks and sobering track record, Lake Travis still furnishes one of the most desired locations in the region for outdoor recreation that includes fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, picnicking, camping, and zip lining.

The Lakes and The Bluffs at Mason Hills - Leander (built by KBHome) are two neighborhoods close to Lake Travis. Be sure to check them if you think of buying a new home near the lake. On the other hand, you may browse other homes for sale here or simply call 512 215 4785.

Comments (7)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Good Morning Garreth Wilcock, wow, lots of information on water.  Good to know.  Make it a good day!

Aug 29, 2016 12:11 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Hi, Garreth...this is great local information for your area. Keep sharing stuff like this. 

Aug 30, 2016 09:00 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thanks Garreth.  It's interesting to read about the variations in levels from the past years.

Sep 01, 2016 08:43 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

There have been many years of drought and this has affected us all. Good information and interessting to see.

Sep 02, 2016 12:23 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Garreth Wilcock very nice and informative post on Lake Travis...it's wonderful to see our Texas lakes at (full) levels after our previous years of drought.

Sep 06, 2016 01:19 PM
Kimberly Thurm
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - Naperville, IL
Broker / Relocation Consultant ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR

Very good and very interesting.  I had to google the lake to learn more.  

Sep 08, 2016 12:25 AM
Foster Smith Summerville
Carolina One Real Estate - Summerville, SC
Summerville & Charleston Homes for Sale SC Realtor

Great information about Lake Travis. Those that want to buy real estate close to Lake Travis will want this kind of information. 

Sep 13, 2016 09:29 PM