North Austin News

Decker Dam at Lake Walter E. Long is set for significant upgrades after nearly 60 years of service.

Austin Energy, in collaboration with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, will replace the gates and anchors of the dam. The city's electric utility uses water from Decker Lake as part of its operations at the nearby Decker Power Plant. Specific requirements for the upgrade are currently being drafted by Austin Energy, which anticipates that the project will span from spring 2025 to 2027. Periodic updates on the project will be posted online.

The dam and gates shaping Lake Walter E. Long were originally designed and installed in 1967. Now, almost six decades later, there is a need to update this equipment to meet current regulations and specifications, enhancing safety and preserving this local resource for future use.

“Decker Dam has helped create a beloved natural space for decades and our focus is on making sure that it does so for generations to come,” said Lisa Martin, Chief Operations Officer for Austin Energy.

In preparation for this project, lake levels will be gradually lowered through natural evaporation to 550 feet. This measure protects existing gates and creates favorable conditions for equipment upgrades. The lake will maintain this level until work on the dam allows higher water levels under suitable weather conditions.

As lake levels fall below 554 feet, boat ramps in the park will close until work concludes. Updates on boat ramp operations can be found at austintexas.gov/parkclosures. Shore-launched watercraft such as canoes and kayaks will still have access to the lake during this period. Other park amenities including volleyball courts, picnic sites, grills, and walking trails will remain open.