Sorry, No Boating for You This Weekend

At least not on Lake Austin and Town Lake. Relating to our previous post on the rising tides of Town Lake and Lake Austin, the city has declared boating ban this weekend on portions of our main Downtown waterway. Click on "continue reading" for the city's press release:

Boating ban expands further on Lake Austin and Town Lake
For immediate release
June 22, 2007

Due to continued Lower Colorado River Authority flood gate operations at Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, City of Austin officials have extended the boating ban for portions of Lake Austin and Town Lake. The ban will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2007 and extend through 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007.

The no boating area extends on Lake Austin from Mansfield Dam to Commons Ford Ranch Park, then again from Walsh Landing to Tom Miller Dam. The ban also covers Town Lake from the Tom Miller Dam to Red Bud Trail. This includes commercial and navigational boating and all recreational uses of the area. Recent rains have necessitated a partial release from the dam creating swift waters and unsafe conditions.

Watercraft illegally operated on waters in the Watercraft Ban Area may be impounded.

Persons should contact the City of Austin Parks Police Headquarters at (512) 974-7707 during business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday to receive written authorization to secure property in the Flood Ban Area. Proof of ownership or occupancy is required.

For current flood ban information visit the City of Austin’s Emergency Conditions Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/emergency.