Comal River closure continues as water levels recede

SAN ANTONIO – The temporary closure of the Comal River in New Braunfels continues as water levels recede, debris cleanup begins and repairs are made to river-related infrastructure, police said.

The river flow remains above 550 cubic feet per second, and visibility in the water is near zero. New Braunfels police said large floating debris, such as tree limbs and branches, is a concern and will need to be removed once water levels drop.

The Tube Chute Dam also suffered some damage mostly to railings and walkways, which posed a safety hazard until repaired, police said.

Recent heavy rains also increased the flow of the Guadalupe River, which was flowing at over 1,200 cubic feet per second. Police said the Guadalupe River within the city limits of New Braunfels remains open for kayaking and rafting, but tubing is prohibited until river levels stabilize.

"The New Braunfels Police Department would like to remind any and all visitors to local waterways to use caution and to always wear a life vest when going in the water," the department said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released an update regarding Canyon Lake water releases, saying water releases through Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority's hydroelectric power plant were switched over to USACE control Friday morning in anticipation of controlled flood-release flows that will exceed 1,100 cubic feet per second. USACE said it is releasing 1,200 cubic feet per second.

It is possible by Friday evening or Saturday morning that flood releases will be increased, USACE said. Fort Worth District Reservoir Control is monitoring downstream conditions and will call for increased releases from Canyon Lake when it is certain such releases will not further worsen the situation downstream.

The lake level is currently at 914.4, or 5.4 feet above normal pool. USACE said this level puts the lake at 12 percent of its flood storage capacity.