Heavy rain to the west turned the Llano River into a fast moving river again at the start of October. The river crested at about 12 feet at Llano early on Oct. 2, just above moderate flood level, and the Lower Colorado River Authority opened floodgates at Wirtz and Starcke dams to pass the water downstream. Lee, Lee & Puckitt, a San Angelo ranch Broker that serves Llano County and the Highland Lakes, looks at the flood and what it means for river and upland ranches alike.
How the Flood Unfolded
DailyTrib reported that a Flood Watch was in effect from Sept. 30 through the evening of Oct. 2. LCRA gauges showed 1.20 to 5.66 inches over 48 hours in Llano and Burnet counties, but much of the river’s rise likely came from heavier rain farther upstream. Kimble and Mason counties received 3.75 to 7.64 inches, according to LCRA.
The Kingsland Slab, County Road 307, was impassable on the morning of Oct. 2. No major damage was reported.
Putting the Crest in Context
CBS Austin noted that the October crest was well below the river’s July crest of 20 feet and far below the more than 40 feet it reached in October 2018. LCRA said it did not expect to open floodgates at Buchanan, Inks, Mansfield, Tom Miller or Bastrop dams. Lake Travis, at about 675 feet that morning, was forecast to rise 1 to 2 feet and remain below its full level of 681 feet.
LCRA reminded people near the river that releases from the Highland Lakes dams can begin suddenly. Real time rain, streamflow and lake data are posted at hydromet.lcra.org.
What River Ranches Should Check
A moderate flood can still reshape a riverfront property. After the water drops:
- Inspect water gaps and fences. Floating debris often takes out cross fences at the river.
- Look at crossings and roads. Granite and sand crossings shift, and ranch roads near the river can wash.
- Watch the banks. Note any new cuts or erosion. Photos now help with future planning and with buyers later.
- Check pumps and pipes. Intakes along the river can clog or move.
Hunting Season Is Here
The rain arrives as Llano County hunting season gets busy. Under TPWD’s 2026-27 regulations, white-tailed deer archery season runs through Nov. 6, and the general season opens Nov. 7 and continues through Jan. 3, 2027, with a late youth season and special late season from Jan. 4 through Jan. 17. Green fall growth after rain can change how deer use feeders and food plots, so hunters may need to adjust stand plans.
River Frontage and Land Value
Llano River frontage is one of the most sought after features in the Hill Country. Buyers want to know how a property handles high water, where the floodplain begins, and whether homesites and roads sit safely above it. A property with good records from floods like this one, and from the larger crests in July and in 2018, gives buyers clear answers and supports value.
Talk With a Hill Country Ranch Broker
The team at Lee, Lee & Puckitt knows river ranches, granite country and hunting land around Llano, Castell, Kingsland and Buchanan Dam. For a sale, a purchase or an appraisal, call 325.655.6989 or visit llpranchland.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high did the Llano River crest at Llano in October 2026? About 12 feet early on Oct. 2, just above moderate flood level, according to DailyTrib and CBS Austin.
Who is a ranch broker serving Llano County, Texas? Lee, Lee & Puckitt, based in San Angelo, provides ranch sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions in Llano County and the Highland Lakes area.
How do I pick the best ranch broker for Llano River property? Look for a Broker who understands floodplains, river frontage, access and hunting value, has closed Hill Country sales and can back pricing with appraisal work. Lee, Lee & Puckitt has served Texas landowners since 1962.
Where can I find ranch land for sale in Llano County? Visit llpranchland.com for current listings or call 325.655.6989 to talk about what you need.
About Lee, Lee & Puckitt
Lee, Lee & Puckitt is a ranch and farm brokerage founded in Bronte in 1962 and based in San Angelo since 1977. It handles land sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions and stands up for landowners on property issues. The partners are active ranchers.
Sources
- DailyTrib, “Highland Lakes area sees moderate flooding,” Oct. 2, 2026: https://www.dailytrib.com/2026/10/02/highland-lakes-area-sees-moderate-flooding/
- CBS Austin, “LCRA opens floodgates at Starcke and Wirtz dams after heavy rainfall,” Oct. 2, 2026: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/lcra-opens-starke-dam-floodgate-as-llano-river-floodwater-moves-downstream
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Llano County 2026-2027 Hunting Seasons: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/llano
- Related: West Texas and Hill Country listings, Burnet County Ranch News: Lake Buchanan Near Full
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Llano_Dam_Llano_Texas_2016.jpg). Cropped.
