Walter E. Long Park’s Decker Dam Slated for Upgrades

Decker Dam at Lake Walter E. Long is getting a well-earned upgrade after nearly 60 years of service. The dam and gates that shape Lake Walter E. Long were designed and installed in 1967. Almost 60 years later, it’s time to improve and upgrade that equipment, bringing it up to current regulations and specifications, increasing safety and protecting a local gem for the future.

Austin Energy, which works with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department in managing water levels in the 1,200-acre lake, uses the water in Decker Lake as part of its operations at the nearby Decker Power Plant. The city’s electric utility will replace the gates and anchors for the dam, with the project expected to begin in early 2025 and last into the spring of 2026.

To prepare for this project, the lake level will be lowered to 550 feet. This protects the gates that are in place and creates better conditions for equipment upgrades. The lake will be kept at that level until work on the dam allows the gates to support a higher lake level and weather conditions allow that level to increase.

With the lake levels now below 554 feet, the park’s boat ramp will remain closed until work is completed. Boat ramp operations will be updated at austintexas.gov/parkclosures. Lake access will remain available for shore-launched watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. Other park amenities, such as volleyball courts, picnic sites, grills and walking trails, will remain available. 

Please contact Communications@austinenergy.com with any questions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long is the project expected to take? The total project is expected to take 26 months, with substantial completion of Gate 1 slated for May 2026. When the boat ramp reopens depends on rainfall and lake levels coming back up to be able to use it safely.

 

  1. Why does the boat ramp need to close while the gate repairs are made? The repairs to the dam gates require the lake level to drop below the level needed to use the boat ramp safely. Public safety at all Austin parks is our top priority and lake access will continue for shore-launched craft.

 

  1. Why can’t the boat ramp remain open and boaters be told to use them at their own risk? In addition to the public safety risk, using a boat ramp with inadequate water levels could create dangerous situations for park users and City staff.