Real-Time River Conditions
Sunday, Aug. 10
Canyon Lake is at 892.66 feet elevation and 68.6% full. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority is releasing water from Canyon Dam at a rate of 106 cfs.
Release and Flow Rates
Visit the Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD)’s website, wordcc.com, to better understand how release rates work and their impact on flow rates in the lower Guadalupe. For detailed information about Canyon Reservoir, visit this page by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.
Guadalupe River Threshold Flow Status
- Up to 500 cfs Recreational
- 500 – 750 cfs Challenging
- 750 – 1000 cfs Strenuous
- 1000 – 3000 cfs Extreme Caution; Tubing Not Recommended
- 3000+ cfs Dangerous; Guided Rafts Suggested
Comal River Threshold Flow Status:
- 100 – 500 cfs Recreational flow- safe for all activities – tubing open for all levels of swimmers
- 500 – 1000 cfs Use extreme caution – all activities questionable – flows of this magnitude are usually caused by rainfall and involve turbid water and floating debris – contact river outfitters for more information
- 1000 cfs River Closed
‘Flash-Flood Alley’
During periods of heavy rain, flow rates of both the Guadalupe and Comal rivers can change rapidly and become dangerous. Central Texas is known as “flash-flood alley.” Take rain events in Canyon Lake and New Braunfels seriously. Closure of the Comal River inside New Braunfels city limits will be posted on the New Braunfels Police Facebook page.
Curious as to why they are releasing the water from Canyon Lake. Why can’t it just stay in there since when it gets hot and dry. It just evaporates.
Can anyone explain why if the lake is only half full why they are releasing water after the flooding? I would think they would just let the flood water fill as much of the lake as possible. I’m not an engineer so I’m trying to understand.
My thoughts exactly
Thanks for sharing this information 🙏 and all your hard work to keep everyone safe during this storm period. Praying for everyone involved in the Hill County my condolences for those lives lost.
Wow, 1 foot in 64 feet out, put it in the lake and shake it all about. You dry up the reservoir and try not to pout.
That’s what selling the water is all about.
Well said!
At 46% how long will the Corps be able to continue to release water at 60 cfm before the outlet goes dry? From video I’ve seen the penstock is in some pretty shallow water. No more feed water into the lower Guadeloupe is going to get some people’s attention.
Was wondering the same thing. How low does it have to get before they stop drawing water for residential use?
At what level of the lake will the fresh water pumps, used to provide drinking water, be inoperable?
Are you still planning to draw down the level of the lake in 2026 for maintenance of the pumps?
Was wondering the same thing. How low does it have to get before they stop drawing water for residential use?
I have the same question. Also, would the Corps discontinue release to river to build lake back up after repairs?
This is an interesting article! Thanks for sharing the river conditions.
Hmmmm, I guess that the GBRA selling and draining over 90,000 acre feet (1/4 of the lake’s capacity) every year has anything to do with the low level of the lake. Nah.
A group of teens will be at Canyon Lake today. Are the conditions of the water safe, being that it rained ?
Hi Victoria, we suggest that you contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or call the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Canyon Lake office. Also, the Water Oriented District of Comal County operates Comal and Canyon parks, they would be another good source of information.
With the lake being so low why are you releasing water?
Conservation
When will Dunlap dam be completed and water level in the river brought up
Not sure, you might check with the GBRA
The link for the canyon lake live cam didn’t work
Thanks for the catch!
What is the minimum flow needed to kayak/canoe the guadalupe at spring branch?
We’re not kayyakers, so not sure! Check with Guadalupe Canoe Libery in Spring Branch or ask Guadalupe River State Park.
So why did you respond?
That was rude
They are trying to keep people as safe as they can. Shame on you.