The recent Blanco River flooding has been in the news. Our little part of the Hill Country will be dealing with the Blanco Flood and its aftermath for a long time. While we’re still grappling with the tragic loss of life and the devastation to property, I’d like to share that the heavy rains did some good too.

Onion Creek has been very low until recently. Some section were dry. No more though. Now every part that I’m able to see as I drive around the area has plenty of water in it.

Halloween of 2013 was a different story though. Then it was Onion Creek’s turn to flood and cause much devastation. Now is a much happier time for the creek.

These two photos were take from the same bridge in Buda. The first view is roughly to the south and the second is on the other side, to the north. The creek has plent of water in it and I’m sure the wildlife appreciates it.

Onion Creek

In this view, the water is a bit deeper and flowing well.

Onion Creek

The creek is fed by a combination of rainfall and springs. That’s why it will be dry in sections and then a little downstream it will have water again. In addition, some of the creek water goes into the limestone formation called karst, directly into the Edwards Aquifer. When the flow is low, that can cause the creek to run dry for a distance.

The health of Onion Creek has a direct and very visible impact on our local ecosystem. I’m glad it’s doing well.