3.5 to 5.25 inches in some parts of austin, what does it mean for the drought and the lake levels Unfortunately most of the rain fell over the Austin and the lower basin, meaning the Highland lakes system of dams really did not get that much acccumulated runoff to fill the lakes that supply the Austin and Central Texas water supply. Don't expesct much impact on water restrictions for our area.  

The good news, soil in Central Austin are at moisture capacy. One of our Cougar installed local soil moisure sensors read 43.6% soil moisture in Rosedale this morning. This same sensor was in the single digits and teens all last summer even with a watering schedule of 2 times a week. Since Nov/Dec rains have hit, this sensor has never been lower  than 20% soil moisture. So what does all this mean.... well it is a wetter and therefore better winter than last year, which means trees and plants and grasses should have a chance to recover and actually come out stronger this Spring than they did last winter, which was drier and colder..

I was pleasantly surprised while running the Shoal Creek and Town Lake trails this morning. The creek was full and there was very little tree damage. Very good sign that trees are pliable and not brittle like they were last summer.

Downside of all this rain and mild weather, weeds and mosquitos will probably be back with a vengence.

Thanks,

Cougar Matt