History of Lake Travis in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas, USA. It's named after William B. Travis. It serves as a significant water source and recreational area in the region. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

July 1938: Severe flood leads to dam height increase

After a severe flood in July 1938, the height of Mansfield Dam was raised to add storage capacity for floodwaters.

1942: Mansfield Dam construction completed

In 1942, Mansfield Dam's construction was completed on the western edge of Austin, Texas by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), forming Lake Travis.

August 14, 1951: Lake Travis reaches historic low level

On August 14, 1951, Lake Travis reached its historic low level at 614.2 feet above msl.

November 8, 1963: Lake Travis reaches second lowest level

On November 8, 1963, Lake Travis reached its second lowest level at 615.02 feet above msl.

April 1971: Ferry service begins between Point Venture and Hurst Creek

In April 1971, regularly scheduled ferry service began between Point Venture and the south side of Hurst Creek, operated by Point Venture Development Co. The trip took 20 minutes and was the only inland ferry service in Texas at the time.

December 25, 1991: Lake Travis reaches historic high level

On December 25, 1991, Lake Travis reached its historic high level at 710.4 feet above msl.

2000: Lake Travis tied for second place for total deaths

From 2000 to 2015, Lake Travis tied for second place for total deaths among Texas lakes.

2008: Reports of leeches residing in Lake Travis

In spring 2008 there were several reports of leeches residing in Lake Travis. The leeches are generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance.

2008: Extreme drought begins

The extreme drought of 2008-2009 began, eventually bringing the lake to its fourth lowest level.

November 2009: Lake Travis reaches fourth lowest level

In November 2009, the extreme drought of 2008-2009 brought Lake Travis to its fourth lowest level at 626.09 feet above msl.

2010: Drought continues, lowering lake levels

During the 2010-13 Southern United States drought, Lake Travis levels went as low as 618 feet, making it the third lowest level ever.

2011: Lake Travis ranked first in accidental fatalities

In 2011, Lake Travis was in first place in a ranking of Texas lakes by accidental fatalities.

2015: Lake Travis tied for second place for total deaths

From 2000 to 2015, Lake Travis tied for second place for total deaths among Texas lakes.

April 2016: Lake Travis returns to full capacity

In April 2016, Lake Travis returned to its full capacity at 681 ft.

2018: Lake Travis depth increase after Llano River flood

Following the 2018 Llano River flood, Lake Travis saw a 20-foot depth increase within a single 24-hour period of time.

2018: Six drownings reported in Lake Travis

In 2018, six people drowned in Lake Travis, out of 29 total boating deaths reported across Texas that year.

September 5, 2020: Boat parade for Donald Trump results in multiple boats sinking

On September 5, 2020, a boat parade took place in support of Donald Trump. The Travis County Sheriff's office reported that they had received multiple calls involving boats in distress, and that several boats had sunk because of wakes.