You’ve seen the photos. One year it’s a sprawling blue oasis with boats packed like sardines at Devil’s Cove, and the next, it’s a dusty canyon where boat ramps lead to nowhere. Honestly, keeping up with the lake level lake travis residents and visitors deal with is a full-time hobby in Central Texas.
As of January 17, 2026, the water level sits at 667.09 feet above mean sea level (msl).
That puts the lake at about 78% capacity. If you’re a local, you know that’s a massive win compared to the scary lows we saw back in 2023 and early 2024. But if you’re planning a trip, don't just look at the percentage and think everything is back to "normal." Lake Travis is a weird beast. It’s not just a lake; it’s a reservoir designed to move.
Why the Current Lake Level Lake Travis Matters Right Now
Most people think 681 feet is "full," and they aren't wrong—that’s the conservation pool height. But the lake actually has a "flood pool" that goes way higher. This is the part that messes with people's heads. When the lake is at 667 feet, like it is today, you’re looking at a lake that is technically 14 feet "low," yet it looks incredible compared to the 630s we’ve suffered through recently.
- Boat Ramps: Most public ramps, like those at Pace Bend and Mansfield Dam, are currently wide open.
- Hazards: At 667 feet, most of the "island" near Windy Point is still safely submerged, but you always have to watch for those limestone shelves that sneak up on you.
- The Look: The famous "Texas Ring" (that white bleached line on the rocks) is visible but not overwhelming.
It's kinda wild to think that just six months ago, we were hovering in the 40% range. The heavy rains in the latter half of 2025 really saved our bacon. However, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) isn't letting everyone off the hook just yet. We’re still seeing Stage 1 water restrictions in places like Lakeway and Austin because one dry winter can evaporate those gains faster than a cedar tree soaks up a puddle.
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The Myth of the "Full" Lake
There is this persistent idea that if the lake isn't at 681 feet, it's "dying." That's just not how this system works. Lake Travis was built to be a giant bucket for the Colorado River. Its job is to be empty enough to catch a flood and full enough to keep Austin’s taps running.
When you see the lake level lake travis hit 670 feet, that’s actually a sweet spot for recreation. Why? Because the beaches are wider, but there’s still plenty of depth for wakeboarding and sailing.
The real danger zone is when we dip below 640 feet. That's when the "Sometimes Islands" actually become "All the Time Islands." We aren't there right now, but the LCRA’s recent reports show that inflows from the Llano and Pedernales rivers are starting to slow down as we hit the mid-winter dry spell.
Recent Trends and Surprises
Interestingly, the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) just finished those massive deep-water intake tunnels this month. That is huge. Even if the lake level drops back into the 630s in the future, cities like Cedar Park and Round Rock won't have their pumps "bottom out" like they almost did a couple of years ago. It’s a $225 million insurance policy against the lake's mood swings.
What You Should Do Before Heading Out
Don't just trust a map from three years ago. The shoreline changes literally every week. If you're heading to Arkansas Bend or Bob Wentz, check the daily gauges.
- Check the 24-hour change: Even a 0.1-foot drop can matter if you’re docking in a shallow cove.
- Verify your ramp: Some private marinas still struggle with siltation even at 667 feet.
- Watch the weather upriver: Rain in Fredericksburg or Llano takes about 24 to 48 hours to really show up in the Travis levels.
Basically, Lake Travis is looking healthy for the start of 2026. We’ve moved out of the "crisis" mode of the last few years and into a "cautiously optimistic" phase. Just remember that the lake's primary job is water supply and flood control—your Saturday afternoon boat rental is, unfortunately, third on the priority list for the LCRA.
Keep an eye on the combined storage of Lakes Travis and Buchanan. Right now, that combined number is the real metric that determines if we move back into stricter Stage 2 restrictions. We want that combined storage to stay well above 1.1 million acre-feet to keep the irrigation gates closed and the boat ramps open.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Bookmark the LCRA Hydromet: It’s the only source for real-time data that actually matters.
- Inspect your dock: If you’re a lakefront owner, 667 feet is the perfect level to check for structural wear on your pylons before the spring rush.
- Plan your spring launch now: With levels stable, marina slips are filling up fast for the 2026 season.