J&P
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J&P

2025-07v1

v1 = first release, using tables, which was disastrous for small-screen (smart phone) viewing

ONLY KEPT AS BACKUP FOR R&D purposes.

Contents

Introduction And Summary

NOTE: Part of J&P Private Collection. All content only intended for personal use among friends and relatives. No sharing in social media permitted.

This page is about the evolution in Lake Travis following July 2025 Central Texas floods [Wikipedia] with torrential rain in Texas Hill Country.

Before going into summary, other related pages:

Summary

  • Fri July 4th: For basically everyone, the days started as any other but things started changing very rapidly. Especially up in Hill Country where rain was pouring down but soon enough also started being noticed in Lake Travis. Our marinas email that day:
    • @ 08:48 – ‘Party is on, here’s schedule for activities today’ (a car show had been canceled at this time but hot-dog contest, music events, and comedy show was ON)
    • @ 10:44 – “Lake Level on the Rise!”, “is rising much quicker than we anticipated”
    • @ 12:48 – “Marina Closed”
  • Over the next two weeks (from Thu July 3, day before rains start, to Sat July 19 when do some analysis), the lake changes dramatically:
    • Level: goes from 637.46 ft (July 3) to 674 ft, increase by some 37 ft / 11.3 m
    • Surface area: goes from 10239 acres to 17538 acres, increase by around 1.7 times – quite a lot more lake to boat in….
    • Capacity full: goes from 43.4 % to 89.2 %, more than doubled amount of water stored
  • Our marina, Emerald Point Marina:
    • First, they were great with  communications to us customers around what was going on and updates on all the work the did to get operations back in business.
    • On July 17, “We’ve added over 140 feet of walkway to make the main dock accessible, and we are running a water taxi to take Members to their slips on D-Dock.”
      • 140 ft is around 43 meters.
  • We: had our previous lake trip on Sun June 8 before travels (Europe + HTX-weekend) before going out to check lake, clean boat, and end up doing a cruise on Sat July 19, six weeks since last. And Wow, what a difference. We got ourselves a new lake!  😀

Brief Statistics

Day Lake level Surface Area % Full Vs full  @ 681 ft Cumulative level ∆
2025-07-02 Wed 637.44 ft 10239.63 acres 43.4 % -43.56 ft / – 13.3 m
2025-07-03 Thu 637.46 ft 10242.63 acres 43.4 % -43.54 ft  / -13.3 m 637.46 baseline
2025-07-04 Fri 637.78 ft 10290.67 acres 43.7 % -43.22 ft / -13.2 m +0.32 ft / +0.1 m
…
2025-07-18 Fri 674.24 ft 17464.43 acres 88.8 % -6.76 ft / -2.1 m +36.78 / + 11.2 m
2025-07-19 Sat 674.7 ft 17588.74 acres
Increase 1.7 times compared to 2 weeks ago, then at 10239.63 acres		 89.5 %
More than 2 times amount of water in lake.		 -6.30 ft / -1.9 m +37.24 / + 11.4 m

The title including ‘Doubling in Size’ refer to both more than 2 times amount of water, and approacing 2 times (1.7 so far :smiley:) of Surface Area.

 

Events [ft] MLS Surface Area

Days leading up the the disastrous rainfalls

T-3 Tue 2025-07-01

“July is heating up at the marina, and so is the fun! From festive Independence Day celebrations to sunny days on the docks, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. Whether you’re cruising the lake or joining us for one of our exciting summer events, we’re thrilled to spend the heart of summer with you.”

 637.46 10242.63

T-2 Wed 2025-07-02

Wed 2025-07-02

 637.44 10239.63

T-1 Thu Tue 2025-07-03

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, July 4th Holiday Weekend and Operation Dry Water“, Boater Education and Water Safety News – email, from Texas Parks & Wildlife

“Dear Safe Boater,

The biggest summer holiday weekend is here and Texas Game Wardens are preparing for increased enforcement as they participate in the 17th annual Operation Dry Water (ODW) weekend. This three-day national enforcement campaign focuses on boating under the influence and is held near the Fourth of July holiday. This year the ODW weekend is July 4-6, 2024.

During ODW in 2024, Texas Game Wardens issued 1,794 warnings, 1,326 citations, and made 32 BWI arrests. There were 22 boat accidents, 5 fatalities, and 4 open water drownings during the holiday weekend as well.”

 637.46 10242.63

T=0 Fri 7/4, 4th of July – The Rain Starts

Fri 7/4 @ 08.48 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Summer Extravaganza is On!”

“”Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
Summer Extravaganza is on today! While the rain has postponed our car show, the remaining events are still a go. Check out the lineup below!

1:30pm – Hotdog Eating Contest
5:00pm – Live Music
6:30pm – Tom Arnold Comedy Set
7:00pm – Live Music Cont.

We can’t wait to see you for a jam-packed day of fun at the lake.”

Fri 7/4 @ 10:44 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Lake Level on the Rise!”

Just a couple of hours since previous email this morning:

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
We’re pleased to share the long-awaited rise in lake level has come! However, it is rising much quicker than we anticipated. As our team works to prepare the marina accordingly, we ask that you proceed with caution as some areas may shift in repsonse. While we aren’t planning on closing the marina at this point, your safety and the safety of your vessel is of the utmost priority. We will send out additional updates as they develop.”

Fri 7/4 @ 12:48 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Closed”

And another, also just a couple of more hours later:

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
Due to the unexpected rapid rise in lake level, we will be temporarily closing the marina. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that you postpone your visit to the marina until we can safely reopen the docks. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize your safety and the safety of your vessel. We will continue to send out updates as they become available.“

 637.78 10290.67

First week following

T+1 Sat 7/5 Water level @ 649.35 –>

Sat 2025-07-05

 649.35 12158.55

T+2 Sun 7/6 @ 11:30 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
The marina remains closed as the lake level has increased 17 feet over the last 24 hours. Our team is onsite assessing and reanchoring docks as necessary. All docks have power and water. We are performing constant dock walks to ensure all vessels remain secure.

Please refrain from coming out to the marina until the docks are clear as our top priority is your safety and the safety of your vessel. We are currently receiving an influx of calls and emails, so our responses may be delayed. All updates will continue to be sent via email as they become available.”

(Pics via P from Fanskapet)

Our marina two weeks ago and on July 6

 655.83 13373.09

T+3 Mon 7/7 @ 11:19 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

Lake Travis has risen nearly 20 feet in the last few days and additional rain is in the forecast. The marina will remain closed as we work to secure the docks. With your safety as our top priority, we ask that you wait to come out to the marina until the docks are reopen. The LCRA advises people to stay off Lake Travis for the next few days.

​We have deployed a professional dock building team from Oklahoma to assist in our marina restoration efforts. At this time, all docks remain connected to power and water. We will continue consistent dock walks to monitor vessels.

We are currently working on the breakwater and Drystack courtesy docks before we shift our focus to the main section of the marina. Our team is working to drop new anchor blocks, run new cables, and move new sections of docks to restore access by land.

Thank you for your patience while we work to secure and restore your home port. We will continue to send out updates via email as they become available. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. As we receive an influx of inquiries, our response may be delayed. We will work to get back to you as soon as we are able.”

Mon 7/7 @ 15:29 “Flood Relief & Support”

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the severe flooding in Central Texas. Many of our Members, Teammates, and their loved ones have been impacted. In times like these, the strength of community and compassion make all the difference. We’re rallying around those impacted and invite you to join us in offering support. If you’re looking for ways to help, we’ve included a few organizations below that are providing relief, aid, and assistance to those directly impacted. 

Although we are not directly affiliated with these organizations, we wanted to share a few options for those who feel moved to contribute. This list is by no means exhaustive, and we encourage you to support any trusted organization that resonates with you”

 657.24 13646.36

T+4 Tue 7/8 @ 11:01 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,
Although the marina remains closed, our team has been working efficiently to make steady improvements to your homeport. We successfully moved the dry stack courtesy dock and freed up the boat launch to be used for emergency services and debris clean up. We also dropped new anchors for the courtesy dock and moved one break water wall. Lastly, we were able to splice cable lines to increase their length in the event water continues to rise.

Today we are working to adjust the second breakwater wall. We are also focusing on dropping new anchors and shifting the main docks into place. As a reminder, the LCRA advises everyone to stay off Lake Travis for the next few days. With continual dock walks taking place, we can confirm all docks reamin connected to power and water. We will continue to closely monitor all docks and vessels. 

Thank you for your continued patience as we work to restore your homeport. If we can help answer any questions or field any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

Video

And this is on Tue July 8 at 658.63 ft MLS, the lake continue to rise and ten days later on Fri July 18 is now at 674.24, an additional increase of 15.61 ft, 4.8 m.

 658.63 13922.74

T+5 Wed 7/9 @ 08:56 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

“Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

Our team has continued systematically adding additional anchor blocks and cables to secure the main dock. We are constructing walkways for the entrance of the main dock, D-Dock, and the courtesy dock at dry stack. Once we install these walkways, the marina will be accessible by land. We are targeting to have this phase complete within the next few days. Until then, the marina remains closed. Today we are focused on these walkways as we work diligently to restore your home port.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the impacts of the rising lake level. Feel free to reach out to our team if we can help answer any questions, comments, or concerns. “

 659.3 14054.92

T+6 Thu 7/10 @ 09:29 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

Although the marina remains closed, our team has been working tirelessly making great strides toward restoring your access to the marina. Construction has continued on the new walkways that will connect the main docks, Drystack courtesy dock, and D-Dock to land. We have successfully anchored and spliced wench cables at 14 different areas within the marina. We will continue to monitor the docks and check on vessels consistently as we track the forecasted weather coming our way.

We are excited about the progress we have been making. We will continue to work diligently on these walkways and hope to have good news about the marina reopening in the next few days. We appreciate your continued patience as we navigate the impacts of the rising lake level. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if we can be of assistance.

 

 660.37 14270.65

T+7 Fri 7/11 @ 15:28 “Tonight’s the Night — Join us on the Docks!”

Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

Our team has been working around the clock to restore your access to the marina before the weekend. We are thrilled to announce that the main docks of the marina are now open for access by land. We have completed installation of the wooden boards and other finishing touches on the walkway so it’s ready for use! We hope you are able to come out, enjoy the docks, and grab a drink at Hotdog Wally’s tonight! Although the marina is open, the LCRA is advising people to avoid boating on the highland lakes at this time due to high bacteria levels and debris present in the water.

We are continuing to lay tile and adjust walkways for the Drystack courtesy dock and D-Dock. We expect these walkways to be functional by next week. We will be offering water taxi rides to shuttle Members to check on their vessels during our normal operating hours.

We have been working day and night to adjust your docks and restore your access. We will continue to work on adapting to the rising lake levels and appreciate your continued patience. Feel free to call or email our team with any questions, comments, or concerns.

 

Fri 7/11 A judge (finally, officially) bans all recreational use of Lake Travis

Our friends at the marina barely had time to send out email above before judge bans boating.

A bit interesting it took about a week for a judge to finally do it… A lake filled with lots of debris, trash of all sorts, … (2025-07 Various pics around Lake Travis flooding (v1.jandp.biz/media/2025/0704+LT/))

2025-07-11 Fri On Friday, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed an executive order banning all use of Lake Travis due to health and safety hazards following the floods.

… “The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said it is still working to positively identify the other bodies recovered in Travis County and notify those victims’ next of kin.

On Friday, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed an executive order banning all use of Lake Travis due to health and safety hazards following the floods. The order bans all recreational, commercial and navigational use of the waterways in Lake Travis, but still allows access to people designated as emergency response, or representatives from state or local agencies.” [kvue.com, July 11]

 

 

 661.21 14442.47

Second week following

T+8 Sat 7/12 @ 12:50 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

We are happy to restore your access to the main docks by land. Our team is working swiftly to get walkways set up for D-Dock and Drystack courtesy dock access. At this time, the LCRA has closed Lake Travis to all recreational, commercial, and navigational use of the waterway. If you come out to check on your boat, we ask that you respect this mandate set by Judge Andy Brown and leave your boat in its slip.

We will continue to send out updates via email as they become available. Feel free to call or email our team with any questions, comments, or concerns.

 661.5 14503.13

T+9 Sun 7/13 The judge partially lifts ban for recreational use of Lake Travis

Travis County Judge Andy Brown

“This morning, I toured Sandy Creek and Cow Creek with Travis County StarFlight to assess ongoing flood impacts and waterway conditions feeding into Lake Travis.

Following updates from emergency response teams and input from the community, l’ve amended the lake closure order. Effective today, Lake Travis is open with the exception of areas upstream of mile marker 36 and Sandy Creek Park.

Travis County urges the public to use caution especially in coves and near the mouth of Cow Creek where debris remains concentrated.

This order may be updated as weather conditions evolve. Thank you to all first responders and residents for your continued vigilance.” [Fb, via P]

 

Pictures from Hurts Creek Arm area – 2023 v. Jul 13, 2025.

Away in the picture, how we go into this area when visiting one favorite restaurant – The Sundancer Grill.

Further in (passing Sundancer Grill), “bottom of the pictures” is where Lakeway Park is located. (google.com/search?q=Lakeway+Park)

 

 662.42 14696.08

T+10 Mon 7/14 Sometimes Islands – what a few days difference can make

2025-07-14 Mon Flood gates at Lake Buchanan opens 1st time in 6 years, since 2019.

For more on Lake Buchanan – one of the two water reservoirs (along Lake Travis) among The (Texas) Highland Lakes and LCRA (jandp.biz/aqua/lcra/).

 

Mon 7/14 Sometimes Islands – what a few days difference can make

(And water level continue to rise – eventually almost all signs of Sometimes Islands are gone. Per July 19.)

 

Mon 7/14 @ 16:39 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

With the forecasted weather, we expect the lake to continue to rise over the coming days. Although the lower level parking lot is closed, Members are welcome to park in the higher lot and walk down. Please note that while walkways are currently usable, they may become inaccessible depending on how much the lake rises.

The dry stack courtesy dock walkway has been successfully anchored in place and is scheduled for completion tomorrow. The D-Dock walkway is still under construction while we await the outcome of the rising lake level.

For boats not accessible by land, we have a water taxi in place to shuttle Members to their slip. This service is offered during operational hours.

We will continue to send out updates via email as they become available. Feel free to call or email our team with any questions, comments, or concerns.

 666.65 15650.21

T+11 Tue 7/15 – Briarcliff, Lighthouse Restaurant, water level @ 671.07 –>

Sept 2022:

Tue July 15, 2025:

(We’ve been cruising up to Briarcliff many times over the years but it was many years since we docked at the restaurant. As been so low water and tricky for any boat of some size to get into guest docks… NOW it time to revisit!!)

 671.07 16677.46

T+12 Wed 7/16 “INSANE Rise- Lake Travis Jumps 36 FEET in 12 Days!” – YouTube

A couple of screenshots from the video (below)

The video:

(H.265 transcoded) Original source: youtube.com/watch?v=PYyp7QwslDM

 673.09 17166.85

T+13 Thu 7/17 @ 11:35 “Safe Harbor Emerald Point, Marina Update”

Dear Safe Harbor Emerald Point Members,

We appreciate your patience as we work to navigate the impacts of the rising lake level. We’ve added over 140 feet of walkway to make the main dock accessible, and we are running a water taxi to take Members to their slips on D-Dock.

Our teams are putting the finishing touches on the extended gangway for our dry stack courtesy dock today. We are thrilled to share dry stack will be open tomorrow (7/18) at 12pm. Feel free to use SpeedyDock to schedule your boat launch once it resumes normal operating hours tomorrow.

We’re also excited to share that our Ship’s Store and fuel dock are now open for normal operating hours listed below. The marina water and power remain intact. Wi-Fi is back up and running, though speeds may be slower than usual.

Feel free to check the LCRA website for any boating advisories and updates. We will send out additional emails regarding marina updates and adjustments as we work to adapt to the rise in lake level of 36 feet to date. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance. See you at the lake!

 673.7 17321.26

T+14 Fri 7/18 – Lake level at 674.24 ft –>

 674.24 ft, +36.78 ft / 11.2 m 17464.43 acres

T+15 Sat 7/19 – Our first visit in 6 weeks….

Actually six weeks since we were on the lake… Very long time for us that otherwise are there almost weekly. Just been a bit of traveling going on (Previous on lake was Sun June 8 (wk 23), then to Europe (wk 24), in Europe (wks 25-27), in HTX (wk 28), and finally back in Lake Travis this Sat July 19 (wk 29).


Sat 2025-07-19


Sat 2025-07-19

For comparison, a picture from before the storm (all land in picture now under water, that’s what some 11+ meter does…)


Fri 2025-05-23

T+16 Sun July 20th: Wrapping up statistics

Day Lake level Surface Area % Full Vs full  @ 681 ft Cumulative level ∆
2025-07-02 Wed 637.44 ft 10239.63 acres 43.4 % -43.56 ft / – 13.3 m
2025-07-03 Thu 637.46 ft 10242.63 acres 43.4 % -43.54 ft  / -13.3 m 637.46 baseline
2025-07-04 Fri [1] 637.78 ft 10290.67 acres 43.7 % -43.22 ft / -13.2 m +0.32 ft / +0.1 m
2025-07-18 Fri 674.24 ft 17464.43 acres 88.8 % -6.76 ft / -2.1 m +36.78 / + 11.2 m
2025-07-19 Sat 674.7 ft, ‘and rising’ (KXAN) 17538.32 acres
Increase 1.7 times compared to 2 weeks ago, then at 10239.63 acres		 89.5 %
More than 2 times amount of water in lake.		 -6.30 ft / -1.9 m +37.24 / + 11.4 m
2025-07-20 Sun 674.95 ft [2]

[1] Day of the catastrophe in around  Kerr County and Hill Country flooding starts.

[2] Day has only started this Sun July 20 when collect this data point. (Likely will change slightly as final daily values are average or something during each day.)