Lake Travis is full for the first time since 2019

Catch up quick: The deluge last week in the Hill Country — as much as 20 inches of rain fell in some spots — fed streams and rivers that flow into the Highland Lakes, the chain of lakes that serve as reservoirs for Central Texas.

• Flooding left two people dead in Kerr and Uvalde counties. Authorities rescued more than 200 people.

The big picture: From Thursday to Friday, Lake Travis rose 10 feet, reaching 681 feet above sea level — considered full for water supply purposes by the Lower Colorado River.

• Water rose another few feet by Sunday into the "flood pool" and will be released over the coming days.
• LCRA officials opened two flood gates at Mansfield Dam on Saturday and expect the gates to remain open for several days. Officials also planned to open a flood gate at Buchanan Dam on Sunday afternoon but decided against it.

Threat level: The city of Austin has banned all recreational activity on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam until 5pm Tuesday because of fast water flows and debris in the water.

• Travis County Judge Andy Brown on Saturday banned recreational boating on portions of Lake Travis and the Pedernales River because of submerged hazards and debris.

• "Swimmers and boaters should stay aware of fast-moving currents and storm debris. Bacteria levels typically rise significantly after heavy rains and flooding, and swimmers should avoid murky, stagnant, smelly or oily water, as bacteria tends to congregate in those areas," LCRA cautioned in a news release Saturday.

The bottom line: Even if the lakes might be unsafe for boating and swimming for now, enjoy the views at a Lake Travis bar or restaurant.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that LCRA officials decided against opening the Buchanan Dam.