In the early part of the 19th century, the lower Guadalupe River Basin, below the current location of Canyon Lake, had been especially subject to serious flooding. Congress authorized in the 1940's the construction of Canyon Lake Dam. Construction began in 1958, was completed in 1964, dedicated in 1966 and reached the conservation pool by 1968. The lake will turn 50 in 2016. The scenic blue water of the lake is due to its limestone bottom. It averages around 40 feet in depth but can be as deep as 130 feet. Canyon Lake is located about sixteen miles northwest of New Braunfels, Texas, between San Antonio and Austin.