Texas drought 101: what has happened to Lake Travis?

Posted: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:59 AM - 13,539 Readers

With this intense summer heat of record high days into the triple digits, coupled with the almost lack of rain, Texas appears the perfect location for a Steinbeck novel.

You just don’t know the impact of a drought until you see a lake you were able to swim in only a year before, now dried and cracked, exposing old debris dumped who knows how long ago.

Boats are stranded. Lakefront property is no longer lakefront. There is no lake, or at least, if you’re lucky, there is very little lake.

But still it is a sad site to see. So here are some photos of what once was the lushness of Lake Travis, now the result of the infamous drought of 2009:

Lake Travis Drought Pictures

Photos by Jessica Schneider

Here are more impacts from the drought. Your Examiner swam at the lake at Jones Brothers Park last year in August, as many others did.

Now there is absolutely nothing left. Even the earth is fractured into broken bits, the land is so dried out.

Lake Travis Drought Pictures

Photos by Jessica Schneider

These photos are fascinating, especially when you contrast it against the flood of 2007, which you can see here on the Jonestown website.

Trust me, you won't want to miss it. Your Cultural Events Examiner writes of it because this is an event that most definitely impacts culture.

Also, see photos of the drying up of Lake Travis.

* Story Contributed by: Jessica Schneider

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	70,507 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	63,440 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	66,077 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	63,628 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	67,160 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	63,124 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	63,290 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	61,316 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	64,009 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	57,949 Readers

Entertainment

JAWS is Returning To Theaters This Summer For Its 50th Anniversary! Mar 8, 2025	2,772 Readers
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	59,902 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	58,641 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	64,088 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	61,101 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	65,404 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	60,066 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	61,569 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	59,342 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	69,838 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	54,417 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	66,645 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	57,063 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	58,485 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	58,291 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	57,967 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	61,377 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	63,951 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	61,900 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	62,232 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	56,627 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	59,003 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	60,468 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	71,158 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	70,979 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	69,608 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	71,174 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	73,022 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	75,525 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	74,821 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	59,198 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	58,200 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	58,958 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	60,867 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	61,443 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	60,832 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	60,274 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	60,890 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	60,552 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	70,514 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	58,680 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	56,433 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	63,213 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	61,663 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	59,707 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	60,102 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	71,844 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	70,379 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	70,185 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	73,968 Readers

News Archives 2009 - Select a Month