McQueeney Dam testing is COMPLETE!
- boattowndigital
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Lake Placid & McQueeney are FINALLY ready to refill! Many of us have been waiting for this moment for years. Back in March 2023, the dam was opened and the lake was drained so that long-needed repairs could finally begin. At the time, water levels were already low, and it was hard to imagine just how long the wait would feel without the lake we all love.
Now, the time has finally come. Over the past few years, we’ve heard updates about progress and possible completion dates, and each one has made us a little more excited… and maybe a little antsy too. But the finish line is finally in sight. Soon, we’ll once again have a lake to look out over and the chance to start making those special family memories again.
For those curious about everything happening behind the scenes to bring Lake McQueeney & Placid back, here’s a quick look at some of the work that has been underway. Local area specialist JLW shared an update in October noting that the anticipated completion date was March 22, 2026, along with a list of items still needing completion.
Some of the major work included:
Bay 3 hydraulic system connection, flushing, and pressure testing
Bay 3 stoplog delivery and dry fit
Maintenance bridge installation
Bay 3 cylinder connections
Control building modifications and electrical upgrades
Gate seal work for Bays 2 and 3
North and south embankment dam armoring
Bay 3 crest gate pre-testing
Final pour backs on gate seals
Final bolt torquing and grout installations
Second round of cathodic protection testing
Stoplog and strut installations for Bay 2
Continued embankment concrete and dirt work
Final electrical installations inside the control building
As you can imagine, a lot can happen in just a few months on a project of this scale. With the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority leading the effort, crews have continued checking off each task carefully, efficiently, and safely.
Within the community, many residents reported hearing testing sirens during the week of March 9 — a reassuring sign that final testing phases were underway. Even better news followed shortly after. On March 17, during a public meeting with the Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 Board of Directors, Charlie Hickman confirmed that final testing has officially passed.
With that milestone reached, refilling is now on the horizon.
According to updates shared by Guadalupe Valley Lakes, Lake Placid is expected to take approximately 4–6 weeks to refill, while Lake McQueeney may take closer to 12–15 weeks. Timing may vary depending on rainfall and natural inflows.
It’s also important to keep in mind that water will not be pulled from Canyon Lake. Instead, the lakes will refill naturally from springs and river flow. As water levels begin to rise, the board has noted that certain areas will reopen sooner than others, meaning access will return in stages.
With just a little more patience, our cherished lakes will slowly return, allowing us to enjoy meaningful moments on the water once again.
“Better be Dam Ready” — the message shared on signs by Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 — has been encouraging lakefront owners to prepare. Residents have been asked for months to repair docks, clean lake beds, and remove debris before the water returns, and that time is now upon us.
The good news is that much of the larger debris has already been cleared. As the lake begins to refill, it will be up to all of us as a community to keep an eye out for any remaining hazards and help mark anything that could pose a danger as water levels rise.
As the lake returns, it will be safer and ready once again for boating, relaxing lake days, and the countless moments that make life on Lake McQueeney so special.
A big thank-you goes out to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, along with the many companies and crews who helped make this project possible, including Sundt Construction and equipment support from Link-Belt Cranes. Their work, along with the coordination and engineering support from Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1,
has brought us to this long-awaited moment.
And finally, thank you to the local groups and community members who kept everyone informed along the way as we all waited for the day the lake would return.
The wait has been long — but the view is about to be worth it again.
Stay tuned for more updates as the lakes refills and more days on the water are right around the corner.
All Cites used for following summary of information to keep the community updated:
Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 – Lake McQueeney Dam October Construction Update (October 10, 2025) https://lakemcqueeneywcid1.com/posts/2025-10-10/lake-mcqueeney-dam-october-construction-update/
LakeMcQueeney.com – McQueeney Dam Construction Update (October 2025) https://www.lakemcqueeney.com/mcqueeney-dam-construction-update-october-2025/
Guadalupe Valley Lakes – Ongoing project updates and refill timeline information https://gvlakes.com/
Photo courtesy of LakeMcQueeney.com – October 2025 Construction Update
Sundt Construction – Lake McQueeney & Placid Spillgate Replacement and Dam Armoring Project
Photo courtesy of Sundt Construction – Lake McQueeney and Placid Spillgate Replacement and Dam Armoring Project
