Colorado River (TX) at Austin
Texas — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Travis County, Texas on the Colorado River (TX). Live water level data from USGS gauge 08158000, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
42 ft
Moderate Flood
38 ft
Minor Flood
33 ft
Action Stage
25 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
46 ft
Several homes flood in the Colorado River flood plain below Del Valle to Bastrop and along Onion Creek above the Colorado River confluence are severely flooded. Numerous streets and roads are extremely dangerous. Major flooding extends well into the flood plain destroying equipment and livestock.
44 ft
Major flooding approaches homes in the flood plain below Del Valle to Bastrop. Equipment and livestock should be moved from the flood plain to below Bastrop. Secondary and primary roads and bridges are flooded severely and very dangerous to motorists.
42 ft
Major flooding approaches the lowest residences along the Colorado River below Del Valle. Residences in the lower reach of Onion Creek are vulnerable to flooding as the Colorado River backs up the creek and adds to runoff down Onion Creek. Livestock and equipment should be moved from the flood plain below Austin to Bastrop. Lowest homes flood near Webberville.
40 ft
Lowest homes in the flood plain below Longhorn Dam to above Bastrop Flood. Livestock and equipment should be moved from low areas of the flood plain below Lake Travis to below Bastrop. Roads and low bridges in the flood plain flood severely and are dangerous to motorists.
38 ft
Moderate flooding approaches the Colorado River ranchettes in the southwest quadrant of the confluence of the Colorado River and Dry Creek. Lowest homes downstream below Austin flood. Livestock should be moved from vulnerable areas of the flood plain.
36 ft
Several homes are threatened as the Colorado River backs up Onion Creek. Any additional flooding down onion creek may flood homes near the confluence with the Colorado River. Livestock should be moved from vulnerable areas of the flood plain below Austin. Lowest homes below Austin flood.
35 ft
Lowest homes and apartments near the Colorado River and the lower part of Onion Creek are threatened. Residents should monitor NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio for developing flood warnings. Livestock can be cut off in low areas below Austin. Lowest homes below Austin to Bastrop flood.
33 ft
Minor lowland flooding reaches low areas of the flood plain. No significant damage occurs at this level near Austin but livestock should be moved from low lying areas downstream. Lowest homes below Austin to Bastrop are threatened.
31 ft
Flow is well into the flood plain below Lake Travis downstream. Livestock should be moved from low areas of the flood plain downstream below Austin.
29 ft
Flow is into the lowest sections of the flood plain.
27 ft
Flow is in the lowest sections of the flood plain.
25 ft
Flow exceeds the lowest sections of the banks.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 1869 | 51 ft | 550,000 cfs |
| Jul 6, 1869 | 51 ft | 550,000 cfs |
| Jun 14, 1935 | 50 ft | 481,000 cfs |
| Jun 14, 1935 | 50 ft | 481,000 cfs |
| Jul 24, 1938 | 45.2 ft | 276,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ACRT2
River
Colorado River (TX)
County
Travis, TX
Coordinates
30.2461°N, 97.6800°W
Get Flood Alerts for Colorado River (TX)
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Colorado River (TX) at Austin?
The Colorado River (TX) at Austin gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08158000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Colorado River (TX) at Austin?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Colorado River (TX) at Austin is 33 feet. Action stage begins at 25 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 38 feet, and major flooding at 42 feet.
How do I get alerts when Colorado River (TX) rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Colorado River (TX) at Austin to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Colorado River (TX) at Austin gauge located?
The gauge is located in Travis County, Texas at coordinates 30.2461°N, 97.6800°W. USGS site number: 08158000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.