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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical ParkPedernales River
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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Rivers and Streams
Johnson Dam
Johnson Dam
 
The Ranch Road is cutoff by flood waters
The LBJ ranch entrance is cut off by rising water (August 2007)
The Pedernales River is located in the LBJ Ranch District. Within the park there are two dams, the Jordan Dam and Johnson Dam, that impound water for use in irrigation of pastures. Erosion is severe in the Hill Country because of periodic heavy rains, thin soils, poor percolation, and severe runoff leading to incidents of extreme flooding.

The total Pedernales River drainage is 1,302 square miles; the area drained by the river before it reaches the park is approximately 602 square miles. The Pedernales River generally flows eastward through Gillespie and Blanco counties and drains into the Colorado River at Lake Travis in western Travis County, near Austin, Texas. From there the flows head southeasterly to the Gulf of Mexico. The Pedernales River is subject to severe flooding as well as very dry periods. The designated uses for the Pedernales River are contact recreation, high quality aquatic habitat, and public water supply.
Pres Johnson confers with Gen. William Westmoreland, May 30, 1968  

Did You Know?
President Johnson flew home to his Texas ranch 74 times during his 5 years in office, living and working for 490 days—or about one-fourth of his presidency—at the Texas White House. Here he confers with Gen. William Westmoreland on May 30, 1968. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Last Updated: March 02, 2008 at 17:15 EST