Mansfield Dam floodgate opened

All the recent rain is more than Lake Travis or Lake Buchanan can safely hold so the time has come to open a floodgate at Mansfield Dam. It's the first time since 2007 that it's happened.

The area has experienced drought-like conditions over the past nine years so many people are happy about this news.

The Lower Colorado River Authority says the water will be released at a rate where it can safely flow downstream without contributing to any current flooding.

The floodgate opened at 8 a.m. and will remain open for at least 48 hours.