CONCAN, Texas – The Frio River is one of the gems of the Hill Country. Its spring-fed waters are perfect for wading, tubing, kayaking or even just sticking your feet in to cool off.
But these days, sticking your feet in is about all you can do. Extreme drought conditions have brought the normally-shallow river down to a puddle in some areas.
Recommended Videos
On Wednesday, the official streamflow was measured at 0.0 cubic feet per second, which basically means... the river has no flow.
It’s the lowest measurement for the river in more than a decade. The typical average should be about 60 CFS.
“If you never saw what it looked like before, you have no idea just how bad this is,” said Susan Carouthers Sneed.
She posted photos on Facebook showing the water level which she described as “so sad.”
Below: Images of the Frio River in Garner State Park taken by Susan Carouthers Sneed.
The river is one of the main draws for Garner State Park in the summer. The park’s website shows an image of a family floating over the rapids in inner tubes — a photo that was clearly taken in less arid times.
Now, the park alerts that due to “extremely dry conditions” visitors are urged to use water wisely.
“Bring your own drinking water. Shower facility use may be limited,” the post reads.
Below: Images of the Frio River near Seven Bluffs taken by Pilar Newberry.