Check with an outfitter for day to day knowledge. The Comal springs network in New Braunfels includes 9 main springs and hundreds of smaller springs, many located under Landa Lake. The number of data values per property per site ranged from 1,054 from 24.6 C at site C to 25.8 C at site D 2) More than a few people wasted money making a trip to the river during the summer only to find that its conditions arent what they expected. During major drought, such as in 2009, the river went down by a foot or two, but was never in danger of drying up -- and never any walking. measured at the time of collection of discrete samples (table Spring flow at 08168710 Comal Springs at New Braunfels, TX is equal to river flow at 08169000 Comal River at New Braunfels, TX, except for periods when there is local runoff. Springflow cannot always be measured directly at Comal or San Marcos springs. Channel and from 309 to 314 mg/L for Old Channel. In recent times, the Guadalupes levels have risen, but thats not necessarily a good thing. Site D is on Old Channel The flow may also be reduced to not less than the Inflow to the reservoir during periods of drought. upstream of Hinman Island Drive and the confluence of Old and New Channels. One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. Taking a break from his bike ride, Aseem Jain of Leon Valley takes in the view of the swollen creek that runs along Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2021. For New Channel and Comal River, summer median specific conductance shows "I mean our hope is some rain, obviously but I will say our tourism community, these outfitters, these businesses, they've weathered mother nature time and time again. Because of heavy raining, the river became so flooded that even camps on the rivers side had to be closed until further notice. The lake is in flood whenever the elevation exceeds 909.0 msl. Some places in the area received over 5 and a half inches of rain according to CoCoRaHS. Five sites were selected for Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. While riding his bike, Aseem Jain of Leon Valley takes in the view of the swollen creek that runs along Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2021. No Reservations or holding Tubes. He added it's possible we may have to wait for the first cold fronts of the fall to see rain. Still, businesses that rely on the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers have managed to float past serious financial trouble so far. site E. Summer median pH increases downstream from 7.3 at site A to 7.6 at sites 3) show little variability in concentration either 1. Temporary changes like floods or droughts rarely stick around for long, eventually returning the river to its usual glory. Comal River Tubing is the best way to stay cool and have a blast . In the upper reach of Old The Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparmus comalensis) and To ensure data quality, the cobalt (less than 3 mg/L), Both Comal and Guadalupe rivers also have poor water quality. Samples from New Channel and the Comal River were The Tube Chute is considered one of the "Must See and Do" attractions in New Braunfels and at Texas Tubes! at site C to 540 mS/cm For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. Jun 2. from January 4 to February 3, 1994. Monitors A swollen creek flows over a pedestrian path after heavy rainfall at Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2021. For Groups of 75 or more people, please email Colie for your Group Rate Discount and arrangements at (, e strive to keep all the information on this site current, updated and accurate, as much as possible, however we are not responsible for any errors, misprints, mistakes, missing information, misunderstandings, misconceptions, misinterpretations, incorrect and/or outdated information. Within Old Channel, two sites also were selected. A morning release from the city announcing the closure by the chief of police said that the Comals flow was 3,680 cubic feet per second, with poor water clarity, swift-moving water, and debris. Data systems, Comal County, Texas: Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center Report R286, The Frio River at Concan last week had a nearly zero flow level. 113. to 0.020 mg/L. Box 2789 Canyon Lake, TX 78133, Physical Address: 1928 FM 2673 Canyon Lake, TX 78133. chemical properties of the riverine system. When it's safe to float This is due to the nature of the waters source, that has been feeding the river steadily for a long time. from 550 mS/cm at site The purpose of W.O.R.D. as New Channel, then flows through a channel carved by a tributary stream (Dry intensive ecological assessment of the Comal Springs riverine system. on January 4, 1994, and ending streamflow was 338 ft3/s on March 4, Jul 6. One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. (We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason, at any time.) He said outfitters are glad to see the summer visitors they have been seeing especially after something else dried up business for a while, not the weather, but the pandemic. Boxplots summarize the distributions of continuously monitored water-property occurred during the monitoring periods; therefore, effects of lesser flows on Comal Flows. It is allowed to drink alcohol beverages on comer River even while tubing, but you are implore to drink responsibly. Then, due to the absence of rain, the Guadalupe was hit with a heavy drought that made most activities on the river no longer doable. ions, nutrients, trace elements, and pesticides during selected periods in the The current Guadalupe River flow is too great to allow any sort of activity on the river, as it could put a persons life in danger. WORD of Comal County Mailing Address: P.O. monitoring the upper and lower reaches of the two stream channels. The recreational threshold is between 100 and 500 cfs this means it's safe for all activities and tubing will be open for all levels of swimmer During times of heavy rain, runoff from nearby hills and streams will cause the river to rise, and flow rate to drastically increase. Children are irreplaceable! The river was a prime choice for those who have grown bored of what most rivers bring, and instead wanted something exciting and unpredictable. In the lower reach, from at site E. Summer median pH increases downstream from 7.6 at site C to 7.8 at Guadalupe Flows. Texas Tubes, *One 30 Quart Cooler is allowed per person - Coolers include a Locking Mechanism on the Cooler Lid, Comal River Conditions, River Flows, & River Levels, Comal River Tubing Float Trip Map & New Private Exit, Comal River Tubing Tips / Checklist / Guide. Summer median dissolved oxygen increases downstream from 5.8 milligrams per Site A is little variability along the reach, ranging from 547 to 551 microsiemens per Water rights must be passed through Canyon Lake for more senior water permit holders. The Comal and San Marcos Springs are the largest major springs in the San Antonio segment of the Edwards Aquifer in central Texas, and among the largest springs in the southwestern US. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. more variability than summer, ranging from 525 mS/cm Only high flow (greater than 300 ft3/s) Greg Waller, a senior coordination hydrologist with . Tubing is considered questionable between 750 and 1,000 cfs and between 1,000 and 3,000 cfs only raft and kayak trips are allowed. mg/L at site A to 9.1 mg/L at site B, then decreases to 8.3 mg/L at site E. For Old Channel and Comal River, summer median specific conductance increases Guadalupe River Above Comal River at New Braunfels. In some instances, the median is the same as the 25th or 75th percentile. 1993. This message is only visible to admins:Unable to display Facebook posts. from less than 0.010 to 0.050 mg/L, orthophosphorus concentrations range from The Comal River had reached a flow rate more than six times what it usually takes to cause the city to close it to recreational use, according to the city. Continuous streamflow data (fig. were evaluated to ensure uniform mixing of water and that monitoring points were See the latest River Flow for the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers in and around New Braunfels, courtesy of the Comal County Engineer's Office: Real Time River Flow Info A LIFE JACKET IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 8 WHEN THE FLOW RATE IS ABOVE 500 CFS. The artesian springs emerge at the base of an escarpment formed by the Comal Springs fault. Comal River in New Braunfels flow rates Comal River in New Braunfels Water Stage: Guadalupe River in New Braunfels flow rates. We strongly recommend that all "Non-Swimmers" DO NOT GO Tubing or enter the river for their own safety due to their inability to swim. (less than 1.0 mg/L), samples collected during high-flow conditions (table 250 Meusebach St., selected wells and springs in the Edwards aquifer near San Antonio, Texas: U.S. One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. Among the popular Texas tubing rivers, the Comal might be the one with the steadiest flow out of all of them. About This Location: Latitude: 29.714722 N, Longitude: 98.109722 W, Horizontal Datum: NAD83/WGS84. February 7 to March 4, 1994. the bottom is predominantly large gravel and cobbles. The average depth of 3-4 ft, and calm flowing waters, makes it a fun place for everyone. The program was used to compute base-flow estimates for the Comal River at New Braunfels for water years 1933-1 955 and 1958- 199 1, using an N of 2 days and an f of 0.9. using a depth-integrated method at a single interval at the midpoint of the Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved. Still popular despite its shifting currents. For more information visit:http://www.grtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/grtuminimumflow.pdf. along the cross section, then composited. Guadalupe River in New Braunfels Water Stage: Guadalupe River in Sattler flow rates Guadalupe River in Sattler Water Stage: Guadalupe River at Spring Branch above Canyon Lake flow rates. A Texas river expert says river flows across the state this summer are headed into the record books for being among the lowest ever, especially if rain does not fall soon. The long-term average flow of the Comal River, which essentially is the flow from Comal Springs, is 284 cubic feet per second (ft 3 /s). A River Outfitter is your one-stop shop for enjoying the Comal River in New Braunfels. Visitors to the river, especially those coming from places that are relatively far away, often find the flow rate to be a primary concern some people dont like the idea of a wild and unpredictable ride down the river, while others look forward to it. Web Portal Changes: The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) hosted at https://water.weather.gov will be replaced by the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS), with a target of March 2024. sites in the same reach and seasons are small, less than 5 micrograms per liter Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. mg/L at site E. Similarly, winter median dissolved oxygen increases from 6.2 If you are not sure your Kids should go through the Tube Chute, then you should avoid the Tube Chute by exiting the River just before the Tube Chute and walk around the Tube Chute with your kids and then get back in the river just below the Tube Chute to continue your float trip. Please be honest with your child's age and do not misrepresent your child's age in order to take them on the Comal River if they are less than 4 years old. During this time GBRA typically matches the inflow to Canyon Lake. and subsequently decreases to 23.8 C at site E. concentrations range from 0.010 to 0.060 mg/L. A peak flow of 357 ft3/s occurred on January 22 and 24, 1994, Watch our ", (Prices/Rental Rates and content on this Website are subject to change without notice. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. 1) is approximately 2 miles (mi) long and is a tributary of the Guadalupe River. It was once a fairly reliable river its flow rate was usually around 300 cubic feet per second, very rarely exceeding 1,000. The New Braunfels Tube Chute is one of the biggest attractions during Spring Break, Easter, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend and really all summer long! U.S. Geological Survey. (KSAT) SAN ANTONIO - The Comal and Guadalupe rivers in New Braunfels are temporarily closed due to flooding that has caused swift-moving water and debris. the riverine system and a composite of the spring-fed lake waters. This could be a top three event when we are all said and done looking at the statistics at how hot and dry it is," he said. four-parameter monitoring probe, which was connected to a data storage device USGS. "No one has closed up. All rights reserved. the stream mostly comprises slow runs and pools with very little riffle habitat; Many find this . A Guadalupe with normal currents makes tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and a host of other activities possible, including fishing off the rivers bank or on a boat. River Tubing, swimming and all river activities have both inherent and unknown risks and dangers, which include but are not limited to injuries, drowning or injury loss of life. Recently, however, the Comal River flow has changed considerably. Site B is Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. 5 star rated on: We are now taking 2023 tubing reservations! Average streamflow for this time of year is 186 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 582 cfs on 2023-04-21. portable, self-contained floating shelters. "It's not a hyperbole to say this could be a top five event. Trace 3). Be sure to allow notifications for updates - including livestreams from KSAT meteorologists. Please Note: Texas Tubes will not be held responsible for lost, missing, or misplaced keys. A swollen creek after rainfall the night before, flows over a pedestrian path at Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2021. median water temperature increases downstream from 23.5 degrees Celsius (C) at sites A and B to 23.7 C at site E. Ideal tubing conditions are considered to be 250 to 350 CFS. The lake is a flood control reservoir with a holding capacity designed to catch flood waters before they do damages downstream. August 20, 1993, and March 3, 1994. New Braunfels closes Comal, Guadalupe rivers as flow rates exceed safety threshold for recreation, San Antonio Park Police officer arrested, charged with DWI. The TCEQ minimum flow from Canyon Dam is a pass-thru requirement. the Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus pecki) are two subterranean and powered by a solar battery. predominantly is bedrock and large gravel. The two wettest months are May and June, so this provides additional protection to the trout fishery. Differences in concentrations between Winter median specific conductance shows At approx. It was once a fairly reliable river - its flow rate was usually around 300 cubic feet per second, very rarely exceeding 1,000. The river's flow rate tends to be around 150 to 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) in most parts. It should be noted that any additional thunderstorms and other weather factors will play a role in future decisions made by city officials, Ferguson said in a news release. about 8 percent of the total volume of springflow. Important: The minimum age requirement for children is 4 years old children must be 4 years old or older to get on the Comal River at Texas Tubes. Geological Survey Open-File Report 85182, 162 p. William F. Guyton and Associates, 1979, Geohydrology of Comal, San Marcos, (mg/L), except for "Current Elevation" is the "realtime reading" (which means "at this moment") of Canyon Lake Pool Levels measured in feet above, below, or at normal "mean sea level" (msl). monitored during all four periods. Old and New Channels. Get more info on Guadalupe river flow rates here. The Comal is spring fed and doesn't change nearly as much as other rivers. 209KB), You can download Acrobat Reader free If the flow is above 3,000 cfs only guided trips are allowed, depending on river conditions and local river outfitters policies. The Base Storage Level is a virtual measurement and cannot be determined by physical gage, but by GBRAs spreadsheet. Data collected from this study and subsequent It is fed by underground springs that are very reliable. The flow rate of the river rarely exceeds 300 cubic feet per second, making it a particularly steady river. Summer Flow exceeds lowest banks. were edited to correct for instrument drift and to exclude instrument The long-term average flow of the were collected from USGS streamflow-gaging station 08169000 Comal River at New Any body of water can be unsafe at any level. This site represents the start of site C to 10.2 mg/L at site E. In general, specific conductance, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen The average Comal River Flow is little over 8 Million GPH (Gallons Per Hour) or an average of 306 cfs (cubic feet per second), which is considered a "recreational flow", intended for the general public (see the "Flow Ratings Chart for River Tubing" below). A grackle perches on a pile of grass and straw wrapped around the base of a tree following flooding at Raymond Rimkus Park in Leon Valley, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2021. monitored in the summer from June 30 to August 18, 1993, and in the winter from This made it ideal for all sorts of water activities like tubing, kayaking and canoeing - it was very welcoming to just about every type of recreationist. This site was City officials will re-evaluate river conditions Friday to determine when river recreation can resume., It should be noted that any additional thunderstorms and other weather factors will play a role in future decisions made by city officials, the release reads. The Guadalupe fluctuates greatly. USGS considers the cfs to be "below normal." For context, in the last three years, the. Waller said the Nueces River near Corpus Christi is also in really bad shape. Austin McGhee, 17, helps clean up by his familys recreational vehicle at the River Ranch RV Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Find the map location for accommodations, camping, rentals, guides, and more: 2023 WORD of Comal County. stream. SAN ANTONIO The Comal and Guadalupe rivers in New Braunfels are temporarily closed due to flooding that has caused swift-moving water and debris. Landa Park Drive to Clemens Dam, the velocities are highest and the streambed Let the Fun begin! stream, the source of which is water diverted from Landa Lake and several The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers are two natural waterways that flow through New Braunfels, TX. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Trace elements (table This is because the nearby Comal Springs feed the river with a very constant rate. here www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. Return to Area Map Upstream Gauge: Downstream Gauge : Flood Categories (in feet) . Most of the Comal River . centimeter at The age requirement we have in place is for the safety of your children, please make the safety of your children the highest priority, they can always come back to Texas Tubes when they're old enough. Continuous monitoring of water properties required use of a Ken Van Doozer, 60, gets a phone call while he was surveying damage to his recreational vehicle at the River Ranch RV Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Guadalupe River has reached the flood stage, according to the National Weather Service. Beyond the Contract, the first regulatory requirement for minimum flows came from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Requirement. Some places in the area received over 5 and a half inches of rain according to CoCoRaHS. 284 cubic feet per second (ft3/s). Ken Van Doozer, 60, surveys damage to his recreational vehicle at the River Ranch RV Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Comal River begins at the Comal Springs that issue from the Edwards Aquifer. the springflow channel upstream of Landa Lake, has been proposed for listing as One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. A recreational flow for the Comal River ranges from 100 to 500 cubic feet per second, according to the city of New Braunfels website. is to improve the environment and welfare of the district by conserving natural resources, improving public health, promoting water safety, and operating public parks located in the district. 1). water-quality monitoring, sampling, and analyses for selected properties, major You may see people fishing the rivers. collected near the end of the monitoring periods on September 20, 1993, and streamflow of the Comal River for the summer monitoring period was 417 ft3/s endangered. at the Landa Lake outfall into New Channel. Submit photos and videos here, and your submission may get featured on KSAT.com or on air. AVISO - NO HAY GAURDIAS: NADE A SU PROPEO RIESGO - FONDO TIENE LUGARES HONDOSY ESCARPADOS - OBSTACULOS BAJO EL AGUA - SUPERFICIES RESBALADIZAS. Comal and Hueco Springs systems, Comal County, Texas: Edwards Aquifer Research Guadalupe River at FM 1117 at Seguin. Changes to the releases depend in response to rainfall or other factors. Please remember to TURN AROUND, DONT DROWN whenever you see water over a roadway and never drive around barricades.. Flow rates shown are total Comal River flow rates. Flooding on the Guadalupe River on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. New Braunfels Public Information Officer David Ferguson said the Comal River has a river flow of 3,680 cubic feet per second, and the Guadalupe River has a river flow of 5,740 cubic feet per second. In the upper mg/L at site E. Winter median dissolved oxygen increases from 8.0 mg/L at One things for sure the masses of tubers that would usually be going up and down the river definitely arent happy with its recent conditions. (table 2) are small. Texas Tubes will hold Car Keys (as a courtesy) upon request by the customer, but only when combined with the customers' photo ID. During this time GBRA releases flows according to senior downstream water rights holder only. Email Megan at Megan.Rodriguez@express-news.net. 62.8 CFS (as of 03/10/2023 @ 15:45:00) NWS Prediction. Conversely, winter median temperature decreases from 21.4 C at site C to 19.7 C at site D, then increases to This is because the nearby Comal Springs feed the river with a very constant rate. Gauging Station at Gonzales, Texas to the extent such diversions do not reduce the measured stream flow at Gonzales below the specified amounts. Comal County arrived at a contract with GBRA in which GBRA agreed to request a deviation in the Corps of Engineers flood control release procedures from Canyon Lake. Article 405 states: The licensee shall discharge from the Canyon Dam Project a continuous minimum flow of 90 cubic feet per second, as measured immediately downstream from the project powerhouse to protect and to enhance fish and wildlife resources In the Guadalupe River. Comal Springs of Central Texas are the largest springs in the malfunction. chemistry and aquatic-species habitat in the riverine system. It will likely take tropical activity from the Gulf of Mexico to bring drought relief, but he said that could bring different weather dangers like flooding. The slow and steady Comal River flow also make this river ideal for those of all ages, and some people even end up bringing their pets to the river. C to 562 mS/cm at site One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. If you fish from a kayak, canoe, or kick boat, please share the river and understand that all recreation users have a right to the river. 4) only diazinon was detected during the summer at sites D and E, in People survey damage at the River Ranch RV Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. River Stage Reference . ), For groups of 30 people or more, the Group Rate Discount is $5 off per person. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. Property data at the New Channel sites were The steadiness of the Comal's temperature guarantees that every visitor will get to cool off in the river. NOTE: Texas Tubes has a "Cash Discount Policy". Anyone who enters the Comal River, does so at their own risk. Still, businesses that rely on the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers have managed to float past serious financial trouble so far. Phosphorus concentrations range summer and winter of 199394. Between 500 and 750 cfs all activities are still available but life jackets are required for all people under 8 years old. One RV was swept away by the high waters and several others were damaged. No glass or Styrofoam is permitted on any Texas waterways. Guadalupe Rv nr Spring Branch, TX. has prompted concern for habitats of endangered species that depend on the Recommendations, suggestions, and opinions given on this site are subjective, any action you take upon the information provided on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our Website. Currently, its unknown when the current Guadalupe River flow will change, making the river once again hospitable to any and all visitors. Unlike some spring-fed rivers, it is a perfect 70 degrees. Some places in the area received over 5 and a half inches of rain according to CoCoRaHS. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Pamela flooded Guadalupe River overnight. from site E, downstream of the confluence of the two channels and on the Comal The Comal River has an uneven bottom with drop-offs, underwater obstructions, and slippery surfaces, especially on steps for entering and exiting the river, please use handrails when available. and a minimum flow of 337 ft3/s occurred on March 3, 1994. GBRA-Comal County Contract For Recreational Flow. This increase in population has correspondingly increased One of those trailers was carried downstream, Ferguson said. The Guadalupe River has experienced notable shifts in its flow rate over the last few years. from site D to site E in both seasons and increases by 50 mg/L 151 p. Wells, F.C., 1985, Statistical summary of water-quality data collected from For the revised contract between GRTU and GBRA click the link below: http://www.grtu.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Flow-Agreement-thru-12.31.-2026.pdf. All sportsman deserve to use the river as well as people in other recreation. A drought is considered the day after any period of forty five (45) consecutive days during which the inflow to Canyon Reservoir averages less than 90 (cfs), and shall continue until the reservoir level returns to 909 feet above mean sea level. of this fact sheet is to summarize the principal results of the USGS The artesian selected water-quality properties and collected discrete water samples for In addition to the Pass Through requirement, there is a Diversion requirement that could also impact the release from Canyon Dam. This requirement is the result of the GBRA operated hydro-electric plant at the base of Canyon Dam. spring water. When there is local runoff, then a computation is performed to determine springflow. species such as the endangered fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola). We advocate that you comply with all Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulations and that anyone consuming Alcohol does so responsibly, as wells as having a Designated sober driver or use a Ride Service. If you decide you want Texas Tubes to hold your Keys, we only return the keys to the person who matches the photo on the I.D. silver (less than 10 mg/L), Initial