San Saba County dodged a bullet

  • This photo of the Mill Pond Pedestrian Bride was taken around 9 a.m. last Sunday morning, July 19th, by Carolyn Preece.
    This photo of the Mill Pond Pedestrian Bride was taken around 9 a.m. last Sunday morning, July 19th, by Carolyn Preece.
  • July 18, 2026, at 3:45 p.m... County Judge Jody Fauley received this picture and report of the San Saba River a few miles west of the city of San Saba. Report is that the water rose very quickly.
    July 18, 2026, at 3:45 p.m... County Judge Jody Fauley received this picture and report of the San Saba River a few miles west of the city of San Saba. Report is that the water rose very quickly.
  • You can see from this photo taken at 7:30 a.m. on July 19, 2026, that the San Saba River is still out of its banks. At this time, the river had gone down to 24.38 feet according to the National Weather Service. The LCRA hydromet website states the river reaches flood stage at 24 feet. Photo by Carolyn Preece
    You can see from this photo taken at 7:30 a.m. on July 19, 2026, that the San Saba River is still out of its banks. At this time, the river had gone down to 24.38 feet according to the National Weather Service. The LCRA hydromet website states the river reaches flood stage at 24 feet. Photo by Carolyn Preece

    This time last year, we were reporting roads closed, areas evacuated, updates on volunteer help. And we had help coming from all over the country. There were updates on businesses that were closed due to flooding. At least one business never reopened because the devastation was too great.

    This past week, we had rain. It rained and rained, but mostly south of us. We thought we were through. Then the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for San Saba County.

    But, it stopped raining. No more rain in the forecast. We're safe, right?

    If you have lived here any time at all you know to look up stream for the river forecast, not the skies and rain chances or even your own rain gauge. The water was coming. We were told the water was coming. And come it did.

    The San Saba River sat at a comfortable 3 feet at 12 a.m. on July 16th. By 12 a.m. on July 18th, it had only risen to 3.77 feet. We must be safe. But then it happened. The water from upstream made its way to San Saba.

    At 4:30 p.m. on July 18th, the water level was 3.98 feet.

    The water started flowing at a very fast rate. At 2:30 a.m. on July 19th, the water had peaked at 26.67 feet.

    Here are the Flood Impacts notes from the National Weather Service:

    • 31 feet - Major flooding will occur. Roads and low water crossings will be flooded.

    • 27 feet - Moderate lowland flooding will occur. Secondary roads and low water crossings will be flooded.

    • 24 feet - Minor lowland flooding will occur.

    According to this list, we were just under the wire, and we barely stayed at the minor flooding level. Yes, we dodged a bullet. We can sure be very thankful for that. The counties south of us were not so fortunate. Please keep them in your prayers.

    Finding weather updates 

    County Judge Jody Fauley has great updates for dangerous weather headed our way on his Facebook Page County Judge Jody Fauley. LCRA Hydromet also has current lake levels, including the San Saba River at San Saba. You can also see river levels upstream to see what is coming. They log the levels and the flow rate every 15 minutes. Just go to hydromet.lcra.org.