AUSTIN - Earlier today, Austin Water crews responded to a failed gate at Longhorn Dam. One of nine Longhorn Dam gates which control lake levels failed in the open position while being inspected and repaired as part of a Capital Improvement Project. This caused the water level of Lady Bird Lake to fall to approximately 2 feet below normal level. 

Austin Water contractors were able to manually stop the flow of water late Tuesday evening.  A series of temporary barriers, called stop-logs, were installed which sealed the gate and help to stabilize water level at Lady Bird Lake.   

The temporary stop-logs will remain in place for several months until permanent repairs are completed. Austin Water and the Lower Colorado River Authority will now work together on a timetable for the gradual refill of Lady Bird Lake.

City of Austin road crews are in the process of re-opening South Pleasant Valley Road to normal motor and pedestrian traffic. 

Austin Water will continue to coordinate information with Watershed Protection, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Tom Miller Dam and other lake area business and stakeholders, as well as downstream communities. 

For more information, customers can contact Austin Water at 512-972-1000, open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Pictured Below: Austin Water contractors installing one of four stop-logs in the failed gate at Longhorn Dam.