Lake Buchanan

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Lake Buchanan
Undeveloped shoreline on Lake Buchanan.
Location	On the Colorado River, northwest of Austin, Texas, USA
Coordinates	30° 45.11'N, 98° 25.12'W.
Lake type	Hydroelectric reservoir
Surface area	22,333 acres (90.4 km²)
Max depth	132 ft (40 m)
Surface elevation	1020 ft (311 m) above sea level

Lake Buchanan was formed by the construction of Buchanan Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority to provide a water supply for the region and to provide hydroelectric power. Buchanan Dam, a structure over 2 mi (3.2 km) in length, was completed in 1939. Lake Buchanan was the first of the Texas Highland Lakes to be formed. With 22,000 acres (89 km²) of surface water, it is also the largest. The surface of the lake includes area in both Burnet County and Llano County. The lake is west of the city of Burnet, Texas.

The other reservoirs on the Colorado River are Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Town Lake.

[edit] Fish and wildlife populations

Lake Buchanan has been stocked with several species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Buchanan include largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, and striped bass. The lake is also the winter home for a population of over 25 Bald Eagles. Lake Buchanan is a level-controlled reservoir, and will not be allowed to flood during periods of heavy rain. The lake level can, however, drop significantly during periods of drought.

[edit] Recreational uses

Much of the property bordering Lake Buchanan is privately owned. Many lakeside cottages and homes are rented out on a regular basis. The Lower Colorado River Authority maintains three parks on the lake: Cedar Point Recreation Area, Black Rock Park, and Canyon of the Eagles. The Jacksons put on a firework show every 4th of July over Lake Buchanan. County parks and private marinas offer boating access to the lake. Fall Creek Winery, the oldest winery in the Texas Hill Country, is located at the confluence of Fall Creek and Lake Buchanan.