1. Storms Trigger Emergency at Canyon Lake
Following days of torrential rainfall across Central Texas, the Canyon Lake region has been placed on high alert due to dangerously rising water levels and widespread flash flooding. Located in the Hill Country, Canyon Lake is now at the center of emergency preparedness as river levels surge, fatalities are reported, and rescue operations intensify.
2. Key Developments at a Glance
- Rainfall: Between July 4–5, over 5 to 15 inches of rain fell across South-Central Texas.
- Flash Flood Alerts: Major flood watches were issued for Comal, Kerr, Kendall, and Bexar counties.
- Guadalupe River Conditions: Water levels in Spring Branch surged from 23.5 ft to over 37.9 ft, well beyond the 25 ft flood stage.
- Canyon Lake Reservoir:
- While the reservoir can hold up to 909 ft before spillage occurs, it’s currently near but below that threshold.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not yet authorized water release, but they are monitoring closely.
3. Death Toll and Missing Persons
- Confirmed Dead: At least 24 people have died across Kerr and Kendall Counties due to flooding, including campers and residents.
- Camp Mystic Tragedy:
- Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp near Hunt, TX, experienced significant flooding.
- More than 20 children were rescued; several are still missing.
- Victim Identification:
- Jane Ragsdale, director of Heart O’ the Hills camp, is among the deceased.
- Emergency Statement:
- Kerrville officials declared the event a “mass casualty incident.”
- Texas DPS and local emergency services have deployed over 400 personnel and aerial units for rescue.
4. Emergency and Government Response
- Governor Greg Abbott’s Statement:
- Declared a state of emergency in affected counties.
- Activated National Guard, Texas A&M Task Forces, and DPS for swift water rescues.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick:
- Requested an urgent structural review of Canyon Dam by the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Officials confirm the dam remains structurally sound.
- Shelters and Evacuations:
- Multiple shelters have opened in Kerrville and surrounding communities.
- Flash Flood Warnings continue in 10+ counties.
- Over 2,600 residents are without power; the surface water treatment plant is down.
5. Water Levels & Dam Conditions
- Canyon Lake Historical Range:
- Normal elevation is 904–910 ft.
- The historic high was 950 ft in July 2002.
- Current Situation:
- As of July 5, the lake level remains below the flood threshold.
- The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) says no flood releases are currently planned.
- Guadalupe River Surge:
- Flash flood surge is flowing downstream and entering Canyon Lake, but the reservoir has room to absorb it—so far.
6. Weather Forecast & Next Threats
- Rainfall Outlook:
- Some relief expected Friday night with only scattered storms forecast.
- However, more rain is expected Saturday, with another 1–4 inches possible.
- Flood Alerts:
- Flash Flood Watches and River Flood Warnings remain active through Saturday evening.
- Additional rainfall could push river levels beyond safety thresholds.
7. Community Impact & Infrastructure Damage
- Road Closures:
- Dozens of low-water crossings are impassable.
- Emergency barricades are up across Hill Country roads.
- Power Outages:
- Thousands of customers remain without electricity, especially near Hunt and Ingram.
- Shelter Reports:
- Local Red Cross chapters are coordinating food, water, and bedding.
- Social media channels are being used to reunite separated family members.
8. Rescue Stories and Social Media Response
- Rescue Operations:
- Texas Game Wardens are navigating flooded campgrounds with boats and helicopters.
- At Camp Mystic, dramatic drone footage showed parents and campers clinging to trees and rooftops.
- Online Community Response:
- Reddit and Facebook groups are flooded with real-time updates.
- One user posted: “The river is emptying into Canyon Lake, but so far the dam’s holding steady.”
- Boating & Marina Alerts:
- GBRA warns against boating due to high debris loads entering the reservoir.
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9. Dam Status & Future Releases
- Controlled Releases:
- The Corps of Engineers stated that no emergency spillage has occurred yet.
- If the lake exceeds 909 ft, automatic releases will begin via flood gates.
- Safety Measures in Place:
- Structural engineers are on standby.
- Real-time water gauge monitoring is active along the entire Guadalupe River basin.
- Flood Infrastructure:
- State agencies are assessing all riverbanks, culverts, and creek beds for erosion or collapse.
10. Safety Guidelines for Residents
- Do Not Drive Through Water: Just six inches of fast-moving water can carry away a car.
- Stay Updated: Use NOAA weather radios, official apps, or text alerts from local agencies.
- Evacuate If Ordered: Do not wait; flash floods can become fatal within minutes.
- Watch for Debris: Floodwaters carry trees, propane tanks, and sharp metal objects.
- Report Damage: Residents are asked to use official online forms to report property damage.
11. Recovery and Long-Term Planning
- Clean-Up Efforts:
- Once waters recede, debris clearing and road restoration will begin immediately.
- Residents should not return to flooded homes until cleared by officials.
- Disaster Assistance:
- FEMA assistance may be requested if damage assessments surpass thresholds.
- State grants and insurance teams have been dispatched to key zones.
- Mental Health Support:
- Grief counseling available for victims’ families and survivors of flood trauma.
12. Final Word: Vigilance Still Required
Canyon Lake has so far avoided catastrophic overflow—but the situation remains fluid. With the reservoir near capacity and more rain forecasted, officials urge all residents along the Guadalupe River and surrounding low-lying areas to remain alert and prepared.
The next 24–48 hours are critical.
For Emergency Alerts or Evacuation Updates, visit:
✅ mysanantonio.com
✅ expressnews.com
✅ GBRA
✅ weather.gov
