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Satellite)
This is the first reservoir on the Guadalupe River that the deluge of the
catastrophic July 4, 2025, flash flood first encounters. It was so empty because of a drought that it easily absorbed all of the water. But here is an example of social media sensationalism. Fortunately, several comments called them out on it.
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Economic Hell posted 0:46 video
Canyon Lake water level increased by 10 feet as torrential rains flood the Guadalupe River. With just 66 feet left before spillage, residents are urged to evacuate die tobthe floodings. Six dead so far — and more rain is coming. Stay alert, Texas.
Robbin Homan: This is not true. I own a house on lake Dunlap, Canyon lake was about 30’ below normal. It took in all of the flood water and only rose about 10’. It could handle three times what it got. This is exactly what the lake was built for. [Another comment indicates that the water level still hasn't reached some of the boat ramps.] |
They had to use an old photo to make the lake look nearly full. A comment provided this photo.
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| Diana Holcomb Coffey commented on the above video |
"The Texas Water Development Board reported that Canyon Lake, as of noon on Monday, was up nearly 11 feet from a week ago and stood at nearly 889 feet or nearly 62% full. Its full conservation pool sits at 909 feet. It was 46% full before the rains over the Fourth of July weekend." [
tpr]
I dug deeper to find the flood pool elevation: 943'.
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gbra
The dam is 224 feet high and 6,830 feet long. At Conservation Pool elevation of 909 feet mean sea level (msl), the Reservoir covers approximately 8,200 surface acres and impounds 378,852 acre-feet of water to a depth of 140 feet. At maximum Flood Control Pool elevation of 943 feet msl, the Reservoir impounds a total of 732,600 acre-feet of water. The Emergency Spillway is at 943 msl. |
Even if the lake had been at conservation pool (the desired level), it would have handled the flood waters. The water can rise 34' above the conservation pool before it would go over the spillway. And the 10' rise would have been less at the higher level because the lake rises slower as the lake goes up because it spreads out over more land. When the lake reaches the conservation pool, the USACE releases 12kcfs until the level is back down to the conservation pool.
When they talk about the lake being 62% full, I believe the conservation level is considered full. The dam can hold 732,600/378,852 or 193% full.
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gbra
The 6mw powerhouse began generating electricity in 1989.
The lowest level of the reservoir was 877.49' on May 13, 2025, and the spillway has been topped only once, in 2002. |
It will be a while yet before the lake can be used for recreation because it is now full of debris. And it is still well below its normal level.
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My Lake News posted 0:23 video on July 5 at 2:51
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The people in the Canyon Lake area have to boil their water because that lake is the source of their water. [
0:08 video]
Jul 14, 2025:
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Comal County ESD No. 3 (Canyon Lake Fire / EMS) posted
In-state and out-of-state emergency service resources will be in the Canyon Lake area assisting with Search & Recovery Operations related to the recent floods. By bringing in these Fire Departments and other services from outside the local area, it prevents local resources from being overwhelmed. These responders are part of a coordinated Local, State & Federal response. We ask that you please avoid the areas where you find search operations underway and show them the support and kindness that this community has always shown for Canyon Lake Fire / EMS. Thank you Leanna Lynn Girven: I dropped my son off at CLHS today and there were three 18 wheelers from Tennessee search and rescue, a bunch of boats, people from Texas A&M rescue, Harris County among lots of others. It was a wonderful thing to see. God bless them all! [My first reaction was who are they looking for because the lake is closed. And then it occurred to me that they are looking for the missing people that got washed down the river. There are still over 100 people missing.] Cynthia Rowzee Abraham: They have asked everyone to stay off the lake the water is very toxic with the water flowing into it from the Guadalupe River it’s full of Bacteria. The Guadalupe River contains high levels of fecal bacteria, including E. coli and enterococci, especially after heavy rainfall or flooding. These bacteria, found in animal and human waste, and decomposing animal and human remains can pose a health risk to those who swim or wade in the water. Not to mention the oil, gas and antifreeze that went into the water with all the automobiles. People need to stay out of the water until they can determine if it’s safe! David Allan Hall: The boat ramps 1,18,19 are open for boat launch for your boat repair, engine check, trailer repair… It is closed for recreational activities, fishing, water skiing, swimming or just running around the lake in your boat. The lake is full of debris, bacteria of all types from decaying plants, animals and other non-mentionable from the recent flooding into the lake. [This comment was in response to some comments saying the lake was open because these ramps were open.] |
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