While no flooding in the Lake Houston Area is predicted at this time, the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto are swelling because of 5-9 inches of upstream rainfall–mostly to the north and northwest. As that stormwater works its way downstream, residents should be prepared to take action.
Cumulative rainfall totals including last three days. Note band of heavy rainfall up to almost 9 inches that will funnel down into the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto.
Meteorologists warned us that rainfall totals for Wednesday through Friday could creep upwards of 8-inches where cells started to train. And that is exactly what happened.
Since Wednesday, 7-9 inches of rain fell across southeast Grimes County and western Montgomery County into central Walker County. This caused significant rises on the upper and middle Spring Creek tributaries in northern Waller and southeast Montgomery Counties and Lake Creek. Rises are also ongoing along the West/East Forks of the San Jacinto River (see below).
The threat for additional heavy rainfall will shift south and east today.
Overall the trend in the Lake Houston Area for this afternoon, tonight, and Saturday will be for slowly decreasing rain chances and amounts.
Mainly San Jacinto Watershed Impacted
Because of frequent breaks and manageable rates in the rain, most watersheds have responded well. Getting 8 inches in three days is not as bad as getting 8 inches in three hours…especially when the grounds were so dry.
However totals have eventually piled up across northern Waller, western Montgomery, and central Walker Counties impacting mainly the San Jacinto River watershed.
Spring Creek:
Rises are ongoing along Spring Creek and its tributaries such as Mill, Walnut and Threemile Creeks. They are all producing high flows into Spring Creek from northern Waller, SE Grimes, and SW Montgomery Counties. While Spring Creek will rise today with these inflows, no significant flooding is expected. The channel capacity of the main creek is much larger and should be able to handle incoming inflows.
West Fork of the San Jacinto River:
Inflows will be moving down Lake Creek which has recorded 7-9 inches of rainfall across the upper headwaters of the basin in western Montgomery County as well as local inflow below Lake Conroe Dam and ongoing minor releases from Lake Conroe (around 6,000 cfs this morning). The river is expected to rise to near 48.0 ft over the weekend as upstream run-off moves downstream. This is currently about 1 ft below flood stage at Humble (US 59).
Upstream run-off from Walker and San Jacinto Counites will move downstream toward New Caney (FM 1485) and Plum Grove over the next few days. The river is currently forecasted to rise above flood stage late this weekend and potentially approach moderate flood levels late Sunday into Monday.
The upstream rainfall could impact FM 1485 and low lying areas near the river downstream of the SH 99/FM 1485 bridge crossing.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist
Lake Conroe Report
Lake Conroe released water all day yesterday at more than 6000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Today, the rate has slowed slightly to just under 6000 CFS. The lake level is holding steady at 202.54 feet as of 4/7/23 at 10:40 AM. That’s about a foot and a half above its normal level.
The San Jacinto River Authority adopted a compromise lake lowering policy. In April, May, September and October, they are lowering Lake Conroe a half foot WHEN the City of Houston requests it. The releases are not as great, nor are they automatic as in previous years.
Lake Houston
Lake Houston opened all its floodgates on Tuesday and has released water steadily throughout this event. The lake level was at 41.7 feet at 9:30 AM. Normal is 42.4. So the precautions seem to have paid off. But a test still lies ahead.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/7/23
2047 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rainfall-April-copy.jpg?fit=1894%2C1230&ssl=112301894adminadmin2023-04-07 11:09:502023-04-07 12:05:28Heavy Upstream Rainfall Now Working Its Way Down
Today, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced the groundbreaking for the Northpark Drive Overpass Project. Weather permitting, it will happen Thursday, April 13.
It took months to acquire right-of-way for the project. Northpark Drive will expand from four lanes to six. And it will include a bridge over Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks.
The ceremonial groundbreaking will actually happen during the mobilization phase. In coming weeks, residents can expect to see the contractor pre-positioning equipment, supplies, and materials for construction.
Finally, an Elevated Evac Route over Railroad
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project will alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and increase safety in the Kingwood area. The 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study, commissioned by TIRZ 10, concluded this project is critical to ensuring public safety.
Local leaders have worried for years about evacuating Kingwood in the event of a natural disaster or chemical spill during a derailment, similar to those that have made headlines around the country lately.
The first phase of this project will go from I-69 to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch
Project extent map provided by City.
A second phase, not yet approved, will extend to Woodland Hills Drive and include elevated bridges over the Diversion Ditch and Bens Branch.
Improved drainage that meets new post-Harvey Atlas-14 requirements.
Wider pedestrian walkways.
Enhanced lighting and landscaping.
Elimination of center ditch.
TIRZ Meetings Open to Public
Safety Considerations during Construction
Once construction commences, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
For a detailed traffic plan during construction, residents can view the plans here (pages 43-163).
As a reminder, TIRZ Board meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2023 Board of Directors Calendar.
Please contact the District E office by phone at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov with any questions or comments.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/6/2023
2046 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-06-at-4.35.38-PM.png?fit=1672%2C880&ssl=18801672adminadmin2023-04-06 17:30:132023-04-06 18:40:37Northpark Overpass Groundbreaking Announced
All week long, meteorologists have predicted heavy rains starting on Wednesday, 4/5/23, through Friday, 4/7/23. This morning, guidance from Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner indicated that the rainfall could be even heavier than previously predicted. Instead of widespread 2-4 inches, Lindner now predicts widespread 3-6 inches. Last night, ABC13 predicted up to a foot of rain in isolated places, especially north and west of US59, i.e., the San Jacinto Watershed.
Three day totals predicted by the National Weather Service on 4/5/23
Lake Lowering Began at Noon
As a result, the City of Houston began lowering Lake Houston today at noon.
According to Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, and San Jacinto River Authority have worked together closely over the last 24 hours to monitor local forecasts. Based on this morning’s forecast within the San Jacinto Watershed, the City decided to open the floodgates on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam.
Property owners should make arrangements to secure boats and other items along the shoreline.
City of Houston
Houston Public Works will keep the flashboard and tainter gates open throughout the inclement weather and Coastal Water Authority will continue storm operations allowing the inflow to pass through Lake Houston until the weather threat concludes.
SJRA NOT Lowering Lake Conroe Level
SJRA has confirmed they will NOT lower Lake Conroe. This will maximize the City of Houston’s lake-lowering efforts.
Atmospheric Squeeze
An approaching low-pressure system from the northwest will stall when it encounters a high-pressure system over the Gulf.
The two fronts will funnel moisture from both the Pacific and Gulf between them. That’s because in the Northern Hemisphere, high-pressure systems rotate clockwise and low-pressure systems rotate counterclockwise. So atmospheric moisture will be squeezed between them along a steady line for days. Think of meshed gears.
Because of dry grounds, moisture that falls during the first day will likely soak in. But after that, runoff rates will increase.
The areas receiving the most rainfall will likely be north and west of Houston, because that’s where the frontal boundary will likely linger longest.
Flooding Outlook
Street flooding will be a concern through Friday.
Says Lindner, “Smaller creeks, rural watersheds, and San Jacinto River system will be the most vulnerable to higher run-off flows. While widespread creek and bayou flooding is currently not expected, some watersheds may experience significant rises and a few locations potentially to flood levels. Any sustained training of heavy rainfall over any certain watershed for an extended period of time could result in flooding. It will be important to monitor rainfall amounts and locations through the period for any significant watershed responses.
Watch the following watersheds closely: Willow Creek, Little Cypress Creek, Cypress Creek (and Waller County tributaries), Spring Creek (and Montgomery/Waller County tributaries), Bear Creek, South Mayde Creek, Cedar Bayou, East/West Forks of the San Jacinto River, Keegans Bayou, Clear Creek, Halls Bayou.
For Current Information 24/7
Bookmark these links to monitor weather and lake conditions, especially if you live in low-lying areas with a history of flooding:
Harris County Flood Control District’s Flood Warning System tracks rainfall and monitors water levels in bayous and major streams on a real-time basis: https://www.harriscountyfws.org/
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/image001-1.png?fit=801%2C561&ssl=1561801adminadmin2023-04-05 12:09:312023-04-05 12:09:35Rainfall Predictions Increasing, City Lowering Lake Houston
Heavy Upstream Rainfall Now Working Its Way Down
While no flooding in the Lake Houston Area is predicted at this time, the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto are swelling because of 5-9 inches of upstream rainfall–mostly to the north and northwest. As that stormwater works its way downstream, residents should be prepared to take action.
Meteorologists warned us that rainfall totals for Wednesday through Friday could creep upwards of 8-inches where cells started to train. And that is exactly what happened.
Since Wednesday, 7-9 inches of rain fell across southeast Grimes County and western Montgomery County into central Walker County. This caused significant rises on the upper and middle Spring Creek tributaries in northern Waller and southeast Montgomery Counties and Lake Creek. Rises are also ongoing along the West/East Forks of the San Jacinto River (see below).
The threat for additional heavy rainfall will shift south and east today.
Overall the trend in the Lake Houston Area for this afternoon, tonight, and Saturday will be for slowly decreasing rain chances and amounts.
Mainly San Jacinto Watershed Impacted
Because of frequent breaks and manageable rates in the rain, most watersheds have responded well. Getting 8 inches in three days is not as bad as getting 8 inches in three hours…especially when the grounds were so dry.
However totals have eventually piled up across northern Waller, western Montgomery, and central Walker Counties impacting mainly the San Jacinto River watershed.
Spring Creek:
Rises are ongoing along Spring Creek and its tributaries such as Mill, Walnut and Threemile Creeks. They are all producing high flows into Spring Creek from northern Waller, SE Grimes, and SW Montgomery Counties. While Spring Creek will rise today with these inflows, no significant flooding is expected. The channel capacity of the main creek is much larger and should be able to handle incoming inflows.
West Fork of the San Jacinto River:
Inflows will be moving down Lake Creek which has recorded 7-9 inches of rainfall across the upper headwaters of the basin in western Montgomery County as well as local inflow below Lake Conroe Dam and ongoing minor releases from Lake Conroe (around 6,000 cfs this morning). The river is expected to rise to near 48.0 ft over the weekend as upstream run-off moves downstream. This is currently about 1 ft below flood stage at Humble (US 59).
East Fork of the San Jacinto River:
Upstream run-off from Walker and San Jacinto Counites will move downstream toward New Caney (FM 1485) and Plum Grove over the next few days. The river is currently forecasted to rise above flood stage late this weekend and potentially approach moderate flood levels late Sunday into Monday.
Lake Conroe Report
Lake Conroe released water all day yesterday at more than 6000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Today, the rate has slowed slightly to just under 6000 CFS. The lake level is holding steady at 202.54 feet as of 4/7/23 at 10:40 AM. That’s about a foot and a half above its normal level.
The San Jacinto River Authority adopted a compromise lake lowering policy. In April, May, September and October, they are lowering Lake Conroe a half foot WHEN the City of Houston requests it. The releases are not as great, nor are they automatic as in previous years.
Lake Houston
Lake Houston opened all its floodgates on Tuesday and has released water steadily throughout this event. The lake level was at 41.7 feet at 9:30 AM. Normal is 42.4. So the precautions seem to have paid off. But a test still lies ahead.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/7/23
2047 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Northpark Overpass Groundbreaking Announced
Today, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced the groundbreaking for the Northpark Drive Overpass Project. Weather permitting, it will happen Thursday, April 13.
It took months to acquire right-of-way for the project. Northpark Drive will expand from four lanes to six. And it will include a bridge over Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks.
Groundbreaking During Mobilization
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA)/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10 Board has awarded a contract to Harper Brothers Construction for the project.
The ceremonial groundbreaking will actually happen during the mobilization phase. In coming weeks, residents can expect to see the contractor pre-positioning equipment, supplies, and materials for construction.
Finally, an Elevated Evac Route over Railroad
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project will alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and increase safety in the Kingwood area. The 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study, commissioned by TIRZ 10, concluded this project is critical to ensuring public safety.
Local leaders have worried for years about evacuating Kingwood in the event of a natural disaster or chemical spill during a derailment, similar to those that have made headlines around the country lately.
The first phase of this project will go from I-69 to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch
A second phase, not yet approved, will extend to Woodland Hills Drive and include elevated bridges over the Diversion Ditch and Bens Branch.
Each phase will take approximately two years, according to the LHRA. Work will begin near I-69 and move east. The City is only breaking ground on the first phase at this time.
The project promises multiple benefits:
TIRZ Meetings Open to Public
Safety Considerations during Construction
Once construction commences, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
For a detailed traffic plan during construction, residents can view the plans here (pages 43-163).
As a reminder, TIRZ Board meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2023 Board of Directors Calendar.
Please contact the District E office by phone at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov with any questions or comments.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/6/2023
2046 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Rainfall Predictions Increasing, City Lowering Lake Houston
New forecasts that show higher than previously predicted rainfall amounts for the next three days have caused the City to begin lowering Lake Houston.
Widespread 3-6 Inches Expect, Higher Isolated Totals
All week long, meteorologists have predicted heavy rains starting on Wednesday, 4/5/23, through Friday, 4/7/23. This morning, guidance from Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner indicated that the rainfall could be even heavier than previously predicted. Instead of widespread 2-4 inches, Lindner now predicts widespread 3-6 inches. Last night, ABC13 predicted up to a foot of rain in isolated places, especially north and west of US59, i.e., the San Jacinto Watershed.
Lake Lowering Began at Noon
As a result, the City of Houston began lowering Lake Houston today at noon.
According to Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, and San Jacinto River Authority have worked together closely over the last 24 hours to monitor local forecasts. Based on this morning’s forecast within the San Jacinto Watershed, the City decided to open the floodgates on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam.
Houston Public Works will keep the flashboard and tainter gates open throughout the inclement weather and Coastal Water Authority will continue storm operations allowing the inflow to pass through Lake Houston until the weather threat concludes.
SJRA NOT Lowering Lake Conroe Level
SJRA has confirmed they will NOT lower Lake Conroe. This will maximize the City of Houston’s lake-lowering efforts.
Atmospheric Squeeze
An approaching low-pressure system from the northwest will stall when it encounters a high-pressure system over the Gulf.
The two fronts will funnel moisture from both the Pacific and Gulf between them. That’s because in the Northern Hemisphere, high-pressure systems rotate clockwise and low-pressure systems rotate counterclockwise. So atmospheric moisture will be squeezed between them along a steady line for days. Think of meshed gears.
Because of dry grounds, moisture that falls during the first day will likely soak in. But after that, runoff rates will increase.
The areas receiving the most rainfall will likely be north and west of Houston, because that’s where the frontal boundary will likely linger longest.
Flooding Outlook
Street flooding will be a concern through Friday.
Says Lindner, “Smaller creeks, rural watersheds, and San Jacinto River system will be the most vulnerable to higher run-off flows. While widespread creek and bayou flooding is currently not expected, some watersheds may experience significant rises and a few locations potentially to flood levels. Any sustained training of heavy rainfall over any certain watershed for an extended period of time could result in flooding. It will be important to monitor rainfall amounts and locations through the period for any significant watershed responses.
Watch the following watersheds closely: Willow Creek, Little Cypress Creek, Cypress Creek (and Waller County tributaries), Spring Creek (and Montgomery/Waller County tributaries), Bear Creek, South Mayde Creek, Cedar Bayou, East/West Forks of the San Jacinto River, Keegans Bayou, Clear Creek, Halls Bayou.
For Current Information 24/7
Bookmark these links to monitor weather and lake conditions, especially if you live in low-lying areas with a history of flooding:
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/5/2023 at Noon
2045 Days since Hurricane Harvey