Tag Archive for: forecasting tool

SJRA To Hold Meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. To Discuss New Flood Forecasting Tool

The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) will hold an initial public meeting tomorrow night to discuss its Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations Tool project.

  • Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Place: SJRA General and Administrative Building Board Room, 1577 Dam Site Road, Conroe, Texas, 77304

Objectives of Forecasting Tool

The SJRA hopes to develop a tool that can:

  • Predict peak release rates of storm water from Lake Conroe
  • Anticipate peak water levels in Lake Conroe during rainfall events based on weather forecasts, observed rainfall, lake levels, and other data
  • Improve communication with Offices of Emergency Management and the public during storms. 

Need for Faster, Better Information

“Getting information out as early as possible is essential during potential floods,” said Chuck Gilman, Director of Water Resources and Flood Management for the SJRA.  

“The Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations Tool will take data from across the region and analyze it utilizing a model of the Lake Conroe Watershed to make predictions regarding flood threats. That will help us provide timely, accurate information for people to make decisions to protect themselves, their families, and property,” he added.

The gates at Lake Conroe can release water at up too 150,000 CFS. During Harvey they released almost 80,000 CFS.

During Hurricane Harvey, many people lost vehicles and valuables that could easily have been saved by driving them to higher ground if they had had more warning time. This project should help with that.

Available by Fall 2020

The Project will complete in fall 2020. A written technical memorandum will summarize recommendations for the tool. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and SJRA will jointly fund the project. TWDB offers grants to political subdivisions in Texas for evaluation of structural and nonstructural solutions to flooding problems and flood protection planning. 

To Offer Input

Anyone interested may attend the meeting to express their views with respect to the project.  

Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to:

  • Matt Barrett, P.E.
  • Division Engineer
  • SJRA
  • 1577 Dam Site Road
  • Conroe, Texas 77304
  • Telephone (936) 588-3111

If you plan to speak, contact Matt Barrett either in writing or by telephone in advance of the meeting. If you cannot attend but have views you would like to share, contact Barrett today.

For additional information on SJRA, visit www.sjra.net.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/23/2019

785 Days after Hurricane Harvey