Bummer in the Summer: July 4th Closures

Just like last year, Austin's in for another rainy July 4th.

With Lake Travis still hovering around 700 feet above sea level and an estimated 2-4 inches of rain on the way, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is keeping all area lakes closed for boating, including Lake Austin and Town Lake.

"Debris and high water from floodwaters make the lakes unsafe," reads the news bulletin post to LCRA's site this afternoon. "LCRA will continue to enforce the ban on recreational boating until conditions improve to allow the public to use the lakes safely."

Lake Travis, considered "full" at 681 feet above sea level, is well above capacity—four floodgates at Mansfield Dam have been open, which is why Town Lake currently looks like it might make for some killer white-water rafting.

For those needing to get their party boating fix, Lake Buchanan remains open, but LCRA "advises extreme caution."

The annual Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks extravaganza at Zilker Park will still take place, according to folks we spoke to from the City of Austin and Austin Symphony. No shuttle service is being provided for this nighttime event, which kicks off at 8:30pm. Parking is available at Austin High School.

Meanwhile, the San Marcos Summerfest is being moved indoors—check out the Statesman's post for more details.

And, as last year, AAA is offering their "Tipsy Tow" program for folks who end up indulging in more Freedom Punch than they could handle; simply call 'em at 800-AAA-HELP until 11:59pm Wednesday night and they'll tow your drunk ass—plus car‐home for free, as long as it's within ten miles.

However you end up celebrating our nation's independence from those pesky scallywags across the Atlantic, Austinist hopes that you'll have a fun, safe, and memorable July 4th.

Travis County Emergency Conditions Info Page
LCRA's Flood Status Page

Chart from LCRA website. Photo by Matt Wright on flickr