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
In the four weeks since my last update, Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) contractor has excavated another 11,000 cubic yards of dirt from Woodridge Village. That means Sprint Sand and Clay has removed a total of 104,000 cubic yards since it started work under its Excavation and Removal Contract a little more than a year ago.
Sprint is removing the dirt from what will become a sixth stormwater detention basin on the former Perry Homes site. The lack of adequate detention capacity on the site contributed to flooding hundreds of homes in Kingwood twice back in 2019, before HCFCD purchased the property.
New Excavation Already Second Largest on Site
Already, at 62 acre feet, the new basin ranks as the second largest stormwater detention basin on the 268-acre site. Woodridge Village’s five original basins had the following capacities:
N1 = 13.2 acre feet
N2 = 154.7 acre feet
N3 = 42 acre feet
S1 = 18.6 acre feet
S2 = 42.5 acre feet
The new detention basin could more than double capacity on the site. Ultimately, it will exceed Atlas 14 requirements.
Here’s where the original five are located.
Locations and sizes of first five stormwater detention basins shown in blue.
The new basin will go between N2 and S1.
Location of new basin outlined in red.
Progress by the Numbers
The 11,000 cubic yards excavated in the last 28 days averages 2,750 cubic yards per week. That’s an increase of 220 cubic yards per week compared to the previous month. It’s also 1,000 cubic yards per week more than the weekly average since the start of the contract.
The current monthly rate more than doubles the minimum required under Sprint’s contract.
The excavation of 100,000 cubic yards marks yet another milestone. Sprint has now removed more than 20% of the 500,000 cubic yards allowed under the contract.
February vs. March Photos
To get a feeling for just how much 11,000 cubic yards is, compare these photos taken at the ends of February and March.
End of FebruaryEnd of March: excavation stretches much farther into the distance.
A Head Start on Construction
In December 2022, HCFCD revealed the results of its analysis of alternatives to reduce flooding adjacent to Woodridge and Taylor Gully. HCFCD is now working on finalizing those plans.
Excavation and removal contracts give HCFCD a head start on construction while engineers finish plans. This compresses the timetable.
The contract also saves taxpayers money. It gives Sprint the right to remove up to 500,000 cubic yards for a grand total of only $1000. Sprint makes its money by selling the dirt at market rates to home- and road builders. The only restriction: the dirt can’t be placed in the floodplain.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/4/2023
2044 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230401-DJI_0375.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-04-04 10:05:432023-04-04 10:05:45Woodridge Village Excavation Surpasses 100,000 Cubic Yards
The second half of this week will likely be very wet. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Weather Prediction Center forecasts widespread rain totaling 4″ with isolated areas getting 5- 6″ between Wednesday and Sunday.
Seven-day forecasted rain totals, predicted as of Monday morning 4/3/2023.
However, the rain will come in several waves and be spread out. The sporadic nature of the rainfall plus dry ground will minimize the risk of flash flooding. But some forecasters are already warning of possible street flooding, especially where storms cluster or train.
Timing of Rainfall
An upper level storm system will slow and eventually stall over the Houston area from Wednesday-Saturday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will accompany the frontal passage on Wednesday.
As the front slows and lingers just off the upper Texas coast, both the Gulf and Pacific will feed moisture into our area along the boundary. Moisture values will approach the maximum levels for early April by Thursday and Friday.
As the cold front transforms into a coastal trough along the coast or just inland, periods of widespread showers and thunderstorms will be possible Thursday and Friday.
Given the stalled system, repeat cell training will be possible which may quickly produce areas of heavy rainfall.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist
Runoff Will Increase As Ground Becomes Saturated
While it will not rain the entire period, several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will be likely. Expect 1-2 inches per day. And remain alert for cell clustering or training which could trigger street flooding.
Grounds are now very dry over the region and much of the rainfall should soak in. However, grounds will eventually become saturated and when they do, run-off will increase and so will the risk of street flooding.
Severe Weather Threat Low
At this time, the risk of severe weather remains low. The Weather Prediction Center rates our chances of flash flooding from excessive rainfall at less than 15% for both Wednesday/Thursday and Thursday/Friday. But monitor forecasts closely this week.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/3/2023
2043 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/image001.png?fit=796%2C558&ssl=1558796adminadmin2023-04-03 11:03:562023-04-03 11:05:18Up to 6″ of Rain Possible by Weekend
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
Woodridge Village Excavation Surpasses 100,000 Cubic Yards
In the four weeks since my last update, Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) contractor has excavated another 11,000 cubic yards of dirt from Woodridge Village. That means Sprint Sand and Clay has removed a total of 104,000 cubic yards since it started work under its Excavation and Removal Contract a little more than a year ago.
Sprint is removing the dirt from what will become a sixth stormwater detention basin on the former Perry Homes site. The lack of adequate detention capacity on the site contributed to flooding hundreds of homes in Kingwood twice back in 2019, before HCFCD purchased the property.
New Excavation Already Second Largest on Site
Already, at 62 acre feet, the new basin ranks as the second largest stormwater detention basin on the 268-acre site. Woodridge Village’s five original basins had the following capacities:
The new detention basin could more than double capacity on the site. Ultimately, it will exceed Atlas 14 requirements.
Here’s where the original five are located.
The new basin will go between N2 and S1.
Progress by the Numbers
The 11,000 cubic yards excavated in the last 28 days averages 2,750 cubic yards per week. That’s an increase of 220 cubic yards per week compared to the previous month. It’s also 1,000 cubic yards per week more than the weekly average since the start of the contract.
The current monthly rate more than doubles the minimum required under Sprint’s contract.
The excavation of 100,000 cubic yards marks yet another milestone. Sprint has now removed more than 20% of the 500,000 cubic yards allowed under the contract.
February vs. March Photos
To get a feeling for just how much 11,000 cubic yards is, compare these photos taken at the ends of February and March.
A Head Start on Construction
In December 2022, HCFCD revealed the results of its analysis of alternatives to reduce flooding adjacent to Woodridge and Taylor Gully. HCFCD is now working on finalizing those plans.
Excavation and removal contracts give HCFCD a head start on construction while engineers finish plans. This compresses the timetable.
The contract also saves taxpayers money. It gives Sprint the right to remove up to 500,000 cubic yards for a grand total of only $1000. Sprint makes its money by selling the dirt at market rates to home- and road builders. The only restriction: the dirt can’t be placed in the floodplain.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/4/2023
2044 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Up to 6″ of Rain Possible by Weekend
The second half of this week will likely be very wet. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Weather Prediction Center forecasts widespread rain totaling 4″ with isolated areas getting 5- 6″ between Wednesday and Sunday.
However, the rain will come in several waves and be spread out. The sporadic nature of the rainfall plus dry ground will minimize the risk of flash flooding. But some forecasters are already warning of possible street flooding, especially where storms cluster or train.
Timing of Rainfall
An upper level storm system will slow and eventually stall over the Houston area from Wednesday-Saturday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will accompany the frontal passage on Wednesday.
As the front slows and lingers just off the upper Texas coast, both the Gulf and Pacific will feed moisture into our area along the boundary. Moisture values will approach the maximum levels for early April by Thursday and Friday.
As the cold front transforms into a coastal trough along the coast or just inland, periods of widespread showers and thunderstorms will be possible Thursday and Friday.
Runoff Will Increase As Ground Becomes Saturated
While it will not rain the entire period, several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will be likely. Expect 1-2 inches per day. And remain alert for cell clustering or training which could trigger street flooding.
Grounds are now very dry over the region and much of the rainfall should soak in. However, grounds will eventually become saturated and when they do, run-off will increase and so will the risk of street flooding.
Severe Weather Threat Low
At this time, the risk of severe weather remains low. The Weather Prediction Center rates our chances of flash flooding from excessive rainfall at less than 15% for both Wednesday/Thursday and Thursday/Friday. But monitor forecasts closely this week.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/3/2023
2043 Days since Hurricane Harvey