Posted: Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00 AM - 17,138 Readers

By: Jessica Vess

The dry spell across Central Texas is taking a hit to area lakes.
 
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) closed eight boat ramps along Lake Travis as a result of dropping lake levels including: Arkansas Bend, Camp Creek Recreation Area, Cypress Creek, Gloster Bend Recreation Area, Narrows Recreation Area, Collier Cove and Tatum Cove are now closed.
 
Ramps at Jones Brothers Park are partially open. Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point remains open but only for non-motorized water craft.
 
Mansfield Dam is one of three dams along the lake that are fully open to boaters. Lines there are backing up.
 
“It's bad enough that most of the people who come down here don't have a place to put their boats in, and a lot of people have trouble backing in their trailers," said boater Jim Kindered. "That just blocks boat ramps up and it's so bad. Probably next weekend you'll be waiting 30 to 45 minutes just to get your boat in.”
 
The LCRA is monitoring lake levels regularly. Officials there are warning boaters that low levels are creating new hazards on the lake.
 
The so-called Sometimes Islands are popping up on the surface. Some of them already have grass and weeds showing.
 
“You gotta be a lot more careful,” said boater Terry Terrazas. “You just gotta know where you're driving. You just gotta watch out for everybody. You got the jet skis and the big boats. So you just gotta watch where you're driving.”
 
The LCRA marks lake hazards and depth levels with specific buoys so boaters know how to get around.
 
“Hopefully we'll get some rain. It'd be nice to these lake levels higher. It'd be easier to ride but it all depends,” said Terrazas.
 
Despite the lower levels, the LCRA says there is enough water to withstand the drought. The agency is urging consumers to begin conserving water usage.

*  Story Contributed by: Jessica Vess