SAN ANTONIO — Recent heavy rain has raised lake levels across South Texas, lifting Canyon Lake from 45% full a year ago to 58% full today. Other lakes in the region have also seen increases, reversing months of drought-driven declines.
Lake Travis rose from 41% full to nearly 78% full over the same period, while Medina Lake, though still extremely low, doubled its capacity from 2% to just under 4%. The replenishment follows repeated rounds of storms that have brought rainfall to the area in recent months.
Recreational activity has increased at these lakes as residents and visitors return to the water. At Canyon Lake Marina, families gathered Monday to swim, boat, and enjoy the warmer weather. "I think it's pretty nice. Me too," said Paisley and Teeghan, who are from Canyon Lake.
David Lawrence of New Braunfels took his boat out on Canyon Lake and noted the improved conditions. "Down here from the Marina, out towards the dam, it's still got a lot of water in it, and there's a lot of depth, so it's still a good lake to go boating on." Lawrence cautioned, "The water is great, the boating is great. You just need to be a little bit aware that there are some hazards out further upstream, where the depth of the lake is a little bit shallower."
Jojo, who was at the lake with his daughter Brooklyn, said people are excited by the rising water levels. "We're just going to come enjoy a day on the lake with the family." "We need all the rain we can get. Absolutely love the higher levels," he added.