If you’ve driven over the Guadalupe River lately, you know the vibe is... different. Usually, Canyon Lake is the crown jewel of the Texas Hill Country. Right now? It’s looking a little more like a collection of very expensive limestone cliffs with some water at the bottom.
Canyon lake water levels today are sitting at 888.17 feet.
That number probably doesn't mean much until you realize the "normal" full pool is 909 feet. We are nearly 21 feet low. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for anyone who grew up jumping off boats here. The lake is currently 61.2% full, and while that sounds okay on paper, the physical reality on the shoreline is much more dramatic.
The Ground Truth About the 888-Foot Mark
Numbers on a gauge are one thing. Actually trying to launch a boat is another. Most people look at the percentage and think, "Hey, more than half full is still plenty of water!" But Canyon Lake is shaped like a giant bowl with very steep sides. When the water drops 20 feet, the shoreline doesn't just recede; it vanishes, leaving behind "islands" that are actually just the tops of old hills.
Right now, the inflow from the Guadalupe River at Spring Branch is barely a trickle—about 31 to 35 cubic feet per second (cfs). For context, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing about 60 cfs from the dam to keep the lower Guadalupe alive.
Do the math. We’re losing more than we’re getting.
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It’s a slow bleed. The lake has been dropping consistently, losing about 0.04 feet in just the last 24 hours. If you’re planning a trip this weekend, January 18, 2026, you need to know that the usual spots might be high and dry.
What's actually open right now?
Boat ramps are the biggest headache. You can’t just show up at your "usual" spot and expect to hit the water. Here is the current situation:
- Ramp 18 (Canyon Park): This is usually the reliable one, but there’s a catch today. The park and ramp are closed through January 18 for a scheduled Youth Hunt. It’s supposed to reopen for regular use after the hunt ends, but always double-check with the Water Oriented Recreation District (WORD).
- Ramp 1: Closed. The water level fell too low for safe launching.
- Ramp 19 (Canyon Lake Marina): Generally stays functional because it’s in deeper water, but it’ll cost you.
- The Extensions: There is some light at the end of the tunnel. Comal County has been working on extending Ramps 2, 7, and 8. For example, Ramp 7 got a 100-foot extension, which moved its closure elevation down to 900 feet. But since we’re at 888 feet, even those "deep" ramps are feeling the squeeze.
Why the Water Levels Keep Dropping
It’s easy to blame the sun, but it’s more complicated than just "it’s hot and dry." Texas is growing. Rapidly.
I was reading a recent report from My Canyon Lake where residents expressed some pretty valid concerns. There's a massive development proposed—over 1,000 homes near Fischer. More houses mean more demand on the aquifer and the lake. Even though the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) manages the flow, they have legal obligations to release water downstream.
They can't just plug the dam and wait for rain.
"By law, they are required to release a certain amount of water every day to maintain the ecosystem and downstream water rights." — Local Water Management Insight.
So, we have low inflow from the drought-stricken Hill Country and a mandatory outflow. It’s a recipe for the "white ring" around the lake to keep getting wider.
Navigation Hazards: The Hidden Dangers
If you do manage to get a boat or a jet ski on the water, be careful. Seriously.
The lower the water gets, the closer the "underwater" hazards get to your prop. Areas that were safely 15 feet deep two years ago are now 2 feet deep or even breaking the surface. Timber, old fence lines from before the valley was flooded in the 60s, and limestone ridges are popping up everywhere.
The "ghost towns" or old structures aren't quite visible yet (that usually requires a much deeper drop), but the silt and rock bars are plenty dangerous. If you aren't familiar with the channel, stay in the middle. This isn't the year for "exploring" the back of the coves at full throttle.
Planning Your Visit This Week
If you're coming for the views, you're fine. The water is still that striking turquoise-blue Canyon Lake is known for. The limestone cliffs actually look pretty majestic when they're exposed.
Quick tips for January 2026:
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- Check the Burn Ban: Comal County often has these in place during dry spells.
- Warming Centers: It’s actually been chilly lately. If you’re camping, be aware that local rec centers like the CRRC have been opening as warming centers during freezes.
- Shoreline Fishing: This is actually a great time for bank fishing because you can access spots that are usually underwater. Bass and crappie are still there; you just have to find where they’ve retreated to.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps for Lake Users
Don't let the low levels ruin your trip, but don't come unprepared either.
- Monitor Real-Time Gauges: Don't rely on word-of-mouth. Check the USGS 08167700 station or the Water Data for Texas website. They update the elevation hourly.
- Call the Marinas: If you're bringing a boat, call Canyon Lake Marina or Cranes Mill Marina directly before you hook up the trailer. They know exactly which slips are grounded and which ramps are "sketchy."
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service near the dam can be spotty, and you'll want a topo map of the lake bed if you plan on navigating the narrow sections.
- Respect the Closures: If a ramp is marked closed, it’s not a suggestion. People have lost trailers and damaged hulls trying to "make it work" on a ramp that ends in a drop-off.
The Hill Country always bounces back—eventually. We’ve seen these cycles before. For now, we play the hand we’re dealt, which means shorter boat rides, longer walks to the water's edge, and a lot of praying for a rainy spring.