.28 inches of rain in the last week swamped Woodridge Village. Woodridge contributed to the flooding of Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest twice last year after contractors clearcut 268 acres.
Gage at West Lake Houston Parkway
Standing Water Over Half of Development
Looking southwest across Woodridge Village. Virtually half of subdivision is holding ponding water.This and all photos below taken on 1/20/2020.A closer shot.Looking southwest across Woodridge Village at land once classified as wetlands by USGS
Extremely Low Infiltration Rate
Now we know why the runoff rate was so high after Perry Homes clearcut the land. The soils may be sandy clays with very low infiltration rates. Alternatively, there may be clay close to the surface that prevents water from infiltrating.
If approximately 1/4 inch of rain in seven days does this, you can imagine how much would run off when you get 6 to 12 inches in a day.
Those wetland areas largely coincided with the areas now holding the ponding water.
USGS Wetlands Map. Background shows Woodridge Village BEFORE clearcutting.
So many questions and so little time.
Movement in Court Case and on Ground
The Harris County District Clerk’s office shows absolutely no movement in the court case between Perry subsidiaries, their contractors and flood victims. The last motion on file: December 27.
January 20, 2020. Contractors continue to elevate the southern and eastern edges of Woodridge Village’s S2 detention pond. The same berm from ground level. Elevated several feet above Elm Grove. Backslope interceptor swale mysteriously eliminated.Ground now sloped to funnel runoff from slope directly into Elm Grove (left). Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.Where this pipe sticks up, there used to be a swale designed to keep water from flowing into Elm Grove and funnel it into the pond. See swale in background next to fence that contractors have not yet filled in. Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.
This whole sad, sorry development reminds me of one of those Hollywood horror flicks in which the teenagers do everything wrong, oblivious to the danger that lurks beneath them. I expect to see Dracula’s hand poking up out of the clay any second.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/20/2020 with photos from Jeff Miller
874 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 123 since Imelda
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/2020/01/20200120-RJR_7194.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2020-01-20 22:25:422020-01-21 09:09:23Woodridge Village Swamped by 1/4 Inch of Rain in 7 Days
Janet Wilson lives in Kingwood Greens. Her home, like those of all 225 in the subdivision, flooded during Harvey AFTER Lake Conroe opened its gates and started releasing almost 80,000 cubic feet per second. That amounted to ONE THIRD of all the water coming down the highly populated Humble/Kingwood corridor on the West Fork where most flood damage occurred. Her photos tell a tragic story about the toll that flooding places on a family. But her words told an even more tragic story.
Below are photos of our home in Kingwood Greens. They show just a fraction of the overnight loss of 48 years’ accumulation of household effects, family heirlooms, clothing, medicines, pictures, letters, books, keepsakes, both our cars, including a vintage Porsche, and more.
Kingwood Greens after the Lake Conroe release
Beyond the Tangible Items
But, these are just the tangible items. Some of our greatest losses could not be photographed.
It has taken us more than two years to try to restore our life.
That’s time we could have spent with aging and now deceased parents plus our children, grandchildren and friends.
Then consider the loss of wages; my husband is a consultant. Also consider the physical and continuing mental toll that stress from this has put on us.
AND finally, consider the permanent loss of friends and neighbors. Seven out of 21 families on our street alone were so traumatized, they have sold their homes and left our neighborhood forever.
Those “Stop the Drop” homeowners on Lake Conroe have no idea of what “loss of recreation” is, and their insensitive selfishness is incomprehensible.
Tell YOUR Story In Person to the SJRA Board
If you feel like Janet, make sure you email the SJRA board and urge members to continue the policy of lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other flood mitigation measures can be put in place. Until more gates can be added to Lake Houston and dredging is completed, it’s the only buffer against flooding that the Lake Houston Area has. You can email them or deliver your message in person at the next SJRA Board meeting.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
6pm at Lone Star Convention and Expo Center
9055 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
Doors open at 5pm.
Those wishing to address the board or register a comment at a special meeting must fill out a Comment Registration Form https://www.sjra.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Comment-Registration-Form_01062020.pdf. Comment Registration Forms may be submitted at the special meeting. The form may not be mailed, emailed, or dropped off prior to the meeting date.
If You Can’t Attend, Email Your Comments
Please write an email showing your support for continuing the temporary seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe. The SJRA Board of Directors also welcomes input via mail or email. To contact the Board please visit: https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form. Or email floodmanagementdivision@sjra.net.
Generally, original letters carry more weight than form letters. However, many people do not feel comfortable writing or speaking. So…
For More Information About the Lake Lowering Strategy
A new page on this web site called Lake Lowering contains background information, sample letters, and previous posts. Please write or testify.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/19/2020
873 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image2-1.jpeg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1480640adminadmin2020-01-19 21:55:332020-01-19 22:06:24Janet Wilson’s Losses and Long Road Back from Hurricane Harvey Make Case for Lowering Lake Conroe
Colleen Ulrich gave me permission to share her family’s Hurricane Harvey experience. She captured the terror in this letter to the San Jacinto River Authority Board. It supports the continued seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe to provide a buffer against flooding until other mitigation measures can be put in place.Her home did not flood UNTIL AFTER the Lake Conroe release.
Full Text of Ulrich Letter
Dear SJRA Board Members,
The purpose of my email is to petition all SRJA Board Members to approve the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe for 2020. As an introduction, I have been a resident of Kingwood since August 2005 when I evacuated from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. We never moved back because our family fell in love with our adopted state of Texas and our adopted home town of Kingwood. I live in the Barrington neighborhood with my husband and 10-year-old daughter. Our home was flooded with 2 feet 2 inches of water in August 2017.
Colleen Ulrich’s vehicle during Hurricane Harvey after Lake Conroe release. This photo and those below courtesy of Colleen Ulrich. All used with permission.
Childhood Memories
One of the issues that those opposed to the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe is that they feel deprived of their ability to enjoy the lake and to create fun summer time boating memories for their families and children. As a mother and Kingwood resident, I am petitioning you to vote in favor of the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe to ensure the safety of my child and all of the children of Kingwood and to ensure none of the Kingwood area children have any memories similar to the ones that were created from the flood in August 2017.
Colleen Ulrich’s dining room during Hurricane Harvey after the SJRA opened the flood gates on Lake Conroe.
Our daughter, Alexandra, was 7 1/2 at the time and her memories include sitting on our stairwell alone in our home while my husband carried me on his back to be evacuated by boat because the quickly rising water was too high and the current too strong for me to walk by myself. Alexandra’s memories include riding in that same boat out of our neighborhood and seeing the houses with up to 4 feet of water in them. Alexandra’s memories include having her childhood bedroom destroyed by floodwaters.
I promise you that these memories will never fade for her.
The Ulrich living room after the Lake Conroe release during Harvey.
Fun Vs. Safety
So I petition to the Board, what is more important – creating fleeting childhood memories of a boat ride in the summer on Lake Conroe or averting traumatic childhood memories of a flood?
What is more important – the perceived Lake Conroe falling property values or the safety of our children and residents?
Heirlooms underwater.
I am in agreement that the lowering of Lake Conroe and Lake Houston are both temporary solutions. And of course these temporary solutions should be revisited once all of the other permanent measures including the installation of additional gates in Lake Houston are put in place. But until that time, I pray that you will make the right decision and keep the temporary, seasonal lowering in place until permanent measures can ensure the safety of all the children and of all the residents of Kingwood and the surrounding areas.
Ulrich kitchen, cabinets and appliances destroyed.
The piano that’s not so grand since Harvey.
Video of Evac
For your consideration, my husband recorded this video and posted it on YouTube so we can remind others of the trauma of that day. This was his boat ride out of Barrington.
I appreciate your service to our community and your consideration of my appeal to approve the lowering of Lake Conroe.
Regards,
Colleen Ulrich
Address and Phone Number Withheld for Purposes of This Post
Tell the SJRA Board about your Harvey experience and why you would like to see them continue lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other flood mitigation measures can be put in place. Come to the next board meeting and tell them in person or write them by visiting https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/18/2020
872 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Ulrich-Evac.jpg?fit=1182%2C662&ssl=16621182adminadmin2020-01-18 17:11:252020-01-19 07:50:57Childhood Terror From Harvey: Ulrich Family’s Experience and Letter to SJRA Board
Woodridge Village Swamped by 1/4 Inch of Rain in 7 Days
.28 inches of rain in the last week swamped Woodridge Village. Woodridge contributed to the flooding of Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest twice last year after contractors clearcut 268 acres.
Standing Water Over Half of Development
Extremely Low Infiltration Rate
Now we know why the runoff rate was so high after Perry Homes clearcut the land. The soils may be sandy clays with very low infiltration rates. Alternatively, there may be clay close to the surface that prevents water from infiltrating.
LJA designed this development to hold 12 inches of rain that falls in 24 hours. But contractors still have only installed 23% of the detention. And the runoff rate may have been based on non-representative samples.
Mysteries Abound
Also Perry Homes’ clearcut the entire northern section when LJA promised that contractors would only cut 30 acres in Phase One. That could be a Career Limiting Move (CLM) for Perry Homes CEO Kathy Perry Britton.
Mysteriously, the core sampling done as part of the geotechnical report managed to miss all areas classified as wetlands in the USGS National Wetlands Inventory.
Mysteriously, Perry Homes hired a private consultant to review the wetlands rather than seeking a jurisdictional delineation from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Perry claims the consultant found no wetland issues though Perry has not released the consultant’s report.
Those wetland areas largely coincided with the areas now holding the ponding water.
So many questions and so little time.
Movement in Court Case and on Ground
The Harris County District Clerk’s office shows absolutely no movement in the court case between Perry subsidiaries, their contractors and flood victims. The last motion on file: December 27.
Meanwhile, Perry is still working on the S2 detention pond that they virtually completed last August. On October 17, lawyer extraordinaire and local savant J. Carey Gray promised they would finish that pond in 45 days. So far, it’s been 95. And they continue to UNDO work previously completed.
This whole sad, sorry development reminds me of one of those Hollywood horror flicks in which the teenagers do everything wrong, oblivious to the danger that lurks beneath them. I expect to see Dracula’s hand poking up out of the clay any second.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/20/2020 with photos from Jeff Miller
874 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 123 since Imelda
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.
Janet Wilson’s Losses and Long Road Back from Hurricane Harvey Make Case for Lowering Lake Conroe
Janet Wilson lives in Kingwood Greens. Her home, like those of all 225 in the subdivision, flooded during Harvey AFTER Lake Conroe opened its gates and started releasing almost 80,000 cubic feet per second. That amounted to ONE THIRD of all the water coming down the highly populated Humble/Kingwood corridor on the West Fork where most flood damage occurred. Her photos tell a tragic story about the toll that flooding places on a family. But her words told an even more tragic story.
Below are photos of our home in Kingwood Greens. They show just a fraction of the overnight loss of 48 years’ accumulation of household effects, family heirlooms, clothing, medicines, pictures, letters, books, keepsakes, both our cars, including a vintage Porsche, and more.
Beyond the Tangible Items
But, these are just the tangible items. Some of our greatest losses could not be photographed.
It has taken us more than two years to try to restore our life.
Then consider the loss of wages; my husband is a consultant. Also consider the physical and continuing mental toll that stress from this has put on us.
Those “Stop the Drop” homeowners on Lake Conroe have no idea of what “loss of recreation” is, and their insensitive selfishness is incomprehensible.
Tell YOUR Story In Person to the SJRA Board
If you feel like Janet, make sure you email the SJRA board and urge members to continue the policy of lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other flood mitigation measures can be put in place. Until more gates can be added to Lake Houston and dredging is completed, it’s the only buffer against flooding that the Lake Houston Area has. You can email them or deliver your message in person at the next SJRA Board meeting.
Those wishing to address the board or register a comment at a special meeting must fill out a Comment Registration Form https://www.sjra.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Comment-Registration-Form_01062020.pdf. Comment Registration Forms may be submitted at the special meeting. The form may not be mailed, emailed, or dropped off prior to the meeting date.
If You Can’t Attend, Email Your Comments
Please write an email showing your support for continuing the temporary seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe. The SJRA Board of Directors also welcomes input via mail or email. To contact the Board please visit: https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form. Or email floodmanagementdivision@sjra.net.
Generally, original letters carry more weight than form letters. However, many people do not feel comfortable writing or speaking. So…
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has automated email that makes the process easy.
For More Information About the Lake Lowering Strategy
A new page on this web site called Lake Lowering contains background information, sample letters, and previous posts. Please write or testify.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/19/2020
873 Days after Hurricane Harvey
Childhood Terror From Harvey: Ulrich Family’s Experience and Letter to SJRA Board
Colleen Ulrich gave me permission to share her family’s Hurricane Harvey experience. She captured the terror in this letter to the San Jacinto River Authority Board. It supports the continued seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe to provide a buffer against flooding until other mitigation measures can be put in place. Her home did not flood UNTIL AFTER the Lake Conroe release.
Full Text of Ulrich Letter
Dear SJRA Board Members,
The purpose of my email is to petition all SRJA Board Members to approve the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe for 2020.
As an introduction, I have been a resident of Kingwood since August 2005 when I evacuated from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. We never moved back because our family fell in love with our adopted state of Texas and our adopted home town of Kingwood. I live in the Barrington neighborhood with my husband and 10-year-old daughter. Our home was flooded with 2 feet 2 inches of water in August 2017.
Childhood Memories
One of the issues that those opposed to the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe is that they feel deprived of their ability to enjoy the lake and to create fun summer time boating memories for their families and children. As a mother and Kingwood resident, I am petitioning you to vote in favor of the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe to ensure the safety of my child and all of the children of Kingwood and to ensure none of the Kingwood area children have any memories similar to the ones that were created from the flood in August 2017.
Our daughter, Alexandra, was 7 1/2 at the time and her memories include sitting on our stairwell alone in our home while my husband carried me on his back to be evacuated by boat because the quickly rising water was too high and the current too strong for me to walk by myself. Alexandra’s memories include riding in that same boat out of our neighborhood and seeing the houses with up to 4 feet of water in them. Alexandra’s memories include having her childhood bedroom destroyed by floodwaters.
Fun Vs. Safety
So I petition to the Board, what is more important – creating fleeting childhood memories of a boat ride in the summer on Lake Conroe or averting traumatic childhood memories of a flood?
I am in agreement that the lowering of Lake Conroe and Lake Houston are both temporary solutions. And of course these temporary solutions should be revisited once all of the other permanent measures including the installation of additional gates in Lake Houston are put in place. But until that time, I pray that you will make the right decision and keep the temporary, seasonal lowering in place until permanent measures can ensure the safety of all the children and of all the residents of Kingwood and the surrounding areas.
Video of Evac
For your consideration, my husband recorded this video and posted it on YouTube so we can remind others of the trauma of that day. This was his boat ride out of Barrington.
I appreciate your service to our community and your consideration of my appeal to approve the lowering of Lake Conroe.
Regards,
Colleen Ulrich
Address and Phone Number Withheld for Purposes of This Post
Tell the SJRA Board about your Harvey experience and why you would like to see them continue lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other flood mitigation measures can be put in place. Come to the next board meeting and tell them in person or write them by visiting https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/18/2020
872 Days after Hurricane Harvey