CANYON LAKE, TEXAS — July * , 2025 — Residents of the scenic Hill Country community of Canyon Lake are cautiously returning to normalcy after Comal County officials lifted evacuation orders late Saturday along the vulnerable River Road area. But despite that reprieve, a Flood Watch remains firmly in effect across Central Texas today, as forecasters warn of more heavy rain and elevated flood risks.
The news offers mixed relief for locals and holiday visitors, who had faced sudden evacuations just days before the busy Fourth of July weekend. Although roads are reopening and officials say the worst immediate danger has eased, authorities emphasize that conditions remain precarious, with saturated soils, debris-choked rivers, and more storms in the forecast.
Evacuation Orders Lifted for River Road
On Saturday evening, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office officially rescinded mandatory evacuation orders for residents along River Road below Canyon Lake Dam. The order had been issued in response to heavy upstream rainfall and elevated releases from Canyon Dam, which threatened to push the Guadalupe River over its banks.
Sheriff’s officials said residents may return but urged extreme caution:
“While water levels are falling, significant debris remains along River Road and in the river itself. Flash flooding risk remains elevated with any new storms,” a county emergency management spokesperson said.
The River Road corridor is well-known both for its riverside vacation rentals and its history of flash flooding. In past events, rapidly rising water has stranded campers and floated vehicles downstream in minutes.
Flood Watch Remains in Effect Across Hill Country
Even as evacuation orders lifted, the National Weather Service continued its Flood Watch for the Hill Country, including Comal County, through Sunday night. Forecasters warned of:
- Potential for 2–4 inches of widespread rain today
- Isolated totals of 8–10 inches in heavier storms
- High risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas
Meteorologists explained that the Hill Country’s rocky terrain sheds rain quickly into streams and rivers. Combined with already saturated ground from repeated storms over the past week, even moderate rainfall can trigger dangerous runoff.
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Current Canyon Lake Levels: At About 50% Capacity
As of early Sunday, Canyon Lake’s elevation was measured at 887.51 feet — roughly 50.7% full relative to its conservation pool. That’s well below its maximum level of around 909 feet (normal conservation pool is 909 feet MSL), but recent inflows have been dramatic.
Heavy rains over the upper Guadalupe River watershed forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to increase controlled releases from Canyon Dam late last week to manage lake levels and reduce upstream flooding risks.
Controlled releases, however, flow directly into the Guadalupe River below the dam, raising concerns for downstream areas such as New Braunfels, Gruene, and Seguin. These releases — combined with local runoff — can quickly flood low bridges and popular tubing routes.
Guadalupe River Flows Remain Dangerous
Below Canyon Dam, the Guadalupe River was flowing early Sunday at over 4,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Spring Branch. That level is considered “extreme caution” for recreation, with swift currents, submerged obstacles, and dangerous debris.
River authorities and local outfitters have repeatedly closed tubing, kayaking, and rafting activities during the flooding event. Though some sections may reopen as levels drop, experts caution that hidden debris and shifting channels will pose ongoing hazards even after official closures end.
“We’ve seen large trees, fences, and even parts of docks washed downstream,” said Mark Waller, owner of a local outfitter. “We’re telling everyone to stay off the river until it’s safe.”
Flash Flood Risks Extend Across Central Texas
The Canyon Lake area is not alone in facing severe flooding concerns this weekend. The entire Texas Hill Country, from Fredericksburg to San Antonio, remains under a broad Flood Watch.
Key regional concerns include:
✅ Highly localized thunderstorms dropping 2–4 inches per hour
✅ Urban flash flooding in San Antonio neighborhoods
✅ River flooding downstream along the Guadalupe and San Marcos Rivers
✅ Potential road closures on rural low-water crossings
Emergency officials across the region urged residents not to drive through flooded roads. The familiar “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign remains critically important, especially in rural areas with poorly marked crossings.
Debris Clean-Up Underway but Challenges Remain
As water levels fall, local authorities are turning attention to debris removal and infrastructure repair. Canyon Lake’s popular boat ramps and parks have seen significant debris wash up, including tree limbs, trash, and even small docks.
Comal County Parks officials said cleanup will take days or weeks in some areas:
“We’re asking the public to be patient,” said Parks Director Rachel Martinez. “We can’t reopen some areas until debris is cleared and safety inspections are completed.”
Meanwhile, along River Road, utility crews are checking power lines and infrastructure for damage. Floodwaters can undermine roads, damage culverts, and disrupt water service in affected neighborhoods.
Tourists Urged to Check Conditions Before Visiting
Canyon Lake is a major summer tourist destination, attracting visitors from Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. July 4th weekend is typically one of its busiest periods, with families booking lakefront cabins, launching boats, and floating the Guadalupe River.
This year, local businesses report heavy cancellations due to flooding and the evacuation order. Now that evacuations have lifted, many are hoping for a rebound — but uncertainty about the weather may keep some visitors away.
“We’re open, but we want people to be smart,” said Janie Perez, who runs a riverside rental company. “Check the weather. Don’t get on the river if the levels are too high.”
Local officials suggest:
✅ Checking Comal County Emergency Management updates
✅ Reviewing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam release schedules
✅ Calling river outfitters for real-time flow conditions
✅ Monitoring National Weather Service forecasts for new storm warnings
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Flooding is more than just an emergency response headache. For the local economy, it’s a major blow at peak season. Dozens of small businesses depend on tubing, boating, fishing, camping, and hospitality dollars during summer.
“Last year’s July 4th was packed,” said Waller, the outfitter owner. “This year? Total wipeout.”
Local chambers of commerce are coordinating with county officials to promote safe tourism as conditions improve, emphasizing that while some areas remain closed, many Hill Country attractions are open and ready for visitors — weather permitting.
Authorities Urge Preparedness and Patience
Despite the lifting of evacuations, officials stressed that residents should not let their guard down. Additional rain in the forecast could quickly reverse progress.
“We’re in an active weather pattern,” said Gonzales of the NWS. “Storms can redevelop today, tomorrow, or next week. Don’t assume it’s over just because the sun comes out for a few hours.”
Residents are encouraged to:
✅ Sign up for local emergency alerts
✅ Review evacuation routes
✅ Prepare go-bags with essential supplies
✅ Watch local news and weather apps
How to Stay Updated
For those living in or visiting Canyon Lake, here are some recommended sources for up-to-date information:
- Comal County Emergency Management
- National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Canyon Lake
- Local News Outlets (KSAT, KENS5, Express-News)
Canyon Lake residents are returning home after River Road evacuations lifted, but the flood threat is far from over. As of Sunday morning, the area remains under a broad Flood Watch with more storms possible. Lake levels are near 50% full, but with saturated ground and active releases from Canyon Dam, river conditions remain hazardous.
Officials continue to urge vigilance, preparedness, and patience as cleanup begins and weather threats linger. The message for today is clear: Stay alert, stay safe, and respect the power of floodwaters.
