NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Update: (10:15 a.m. Sunday, May 30): The Comal River in New Braunfels has reopened for recreation after heavy rain Friday night, police announced Sunday.
Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, the river will be open to tubers and swimmers as the river flow has decreased to 300 cubic feet per second. That’s down from 485 cubic feet per second on Saturday morning.
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Police are urging river-goers to use caution as there may be debris under the water’s surface.
“The clarity of the water is returning to normal and debris has been cleaned up by City staff along the riverbanks and at the Tube Chute Dam,” police said in a Facebook post. “However, river-goers should (sic) still be cautious about debris that may not be visible under the water’s surface.”
“And, as always, NBPD encourages the use of life vests while participating in any water-related activity.”
The Guadalupe River is also open for recreation.
Original (10:18 a.m. Saturday, May 29): Heavy rains overnight forced New Braunfels officials to temporarily close the Comal River, according to the city.
The closure means residents and visitors cannot go tubing or do other recreational activities, officials say.
The overnight rain in the area increased the river’s flow, which was measured this morning at approximately 485 cubic feet per second. Additionally, officials say, the river has poor clarity and debris has washed in along the riverbank at the Tube chute dam.
Heavy Rains Prompt Temporary Closure of Comal River Heavy rains overnight have caused an increased flow of water in the...
Posted by New Braunfels Police Department on Saturday, May 29, 2021
New Braunfels Chief of Police Keith Lane ordered the closure on Saturday and said he would reevaluate the river closure on Sunday morning to determine if recreational activities can continue.
“It should be noted that forecasters with the National Weather Service are predicting additional thunderstorm possibilities and those ongoing weather factors will play a role in future decisions made by city officials,” the New Braunfels Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Stay with KSAT on-air and online for the latest on the river’s closure.