River cruises vanish due to lake levels

From KXAN, April 29, 2009...

This season, the Vanishing Texas River Cruise has lived up to its name. Passengers have not seen the prime attractions because the water level on Lake Buchanan is so low.

The Lower Colorado River Authority said Lake Buchanan is down by 14 feet, while Lake Travis is down by 28. Each lake only received a half foot to a foot in rain runoff this week, barely enough to make a difference in either lake's lever.

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Drought effects on Central Texas boating

From KXAN, January 9, 2009...

Central Texas drought continues. Local lakes are up to 14 feet below normal levels. The economy is struggling and people are cutting back on luxury items. A favorite warm weather activity, boating, is actually doing well.

Portions of Central Texas have seen only 25 to 50 percent of the normal amount of rain in 2008. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority , rain totals are running eight to 12 inches below normal. In the worst regions, rain totals are running between 12 and 20 inches below normal. As of Dec. 18, Lake Buchanan was about seven feet below the historic December average, while Lake Travis was about 13 feet below. Many boaters are not finding the lower lake levels a bother.

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