Tag Archive for: gates

SJRA Announces More Delays on Joint Reservoir Operations Study

8/5/2026 – In 2020 – three years after Hurricane Harvey – the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) applied for $500,000 grant from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to study Joint Reservoir Operations between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston. They hoped they could reduce flooding through better coordination of releases from the two dams.

March 2026 Public Input Session in Humble

Earlier this year, SJRA held a public input session at the Humble Civic Center where it outlined the goals of the study and listened to dozens of downstream residents still harboring PTSD from flooding and angry about delays.

At the event, SJRA said it would present its conclusions this FALL in The Woodlands. Now, five months later, the schedule has slipped to Spring 2027. See the screen capture below from SJRA’s website.

Screen capture taken 7/21/26

Proffered Reasons for Delays

Matt Barrett, PE, SJRA’s Water Resources and Flood Management Division Manager, offered this explanation for the delay in an email.

Barrett said, “We are budgeting more time for reviews due to the number of partners involved. A couple other items that impacted the schedule and may delay the report are the modeling for the pre-release analysis, as well as required coordination with the ongoing Lake Houston Gates Project. We also expect a fair amount of stakeholder engagement.”

At the July SJRA Board Meeting, General Manager Aubrey Spear said that the Joint Operations study could not be done before the gate design was completed. Spear said he would have more information at the October SJRA Board Meeting. Mr. Sprear’s comments about the study begin at about 14:30 into this video and last for about 3 minutes.

Mr. Spear addressing SJRA Board Members at their 7/23/26 meeting.

Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger said today that the part of the Gates project that the SJRA needs to finish its work should be ready in 4-6 weeks.

Before Mr. Spear concluded his remarks at the SJRA Board Meeting, he spent another minute addressing the status of SJRA’s long-delayed sand-trap study, which has been sitting on the shelf for more than four years.

No SJRA Study Results Implemented Yet

SJRA has conducted a number of studies since Hurricane Harvey. They include a:

Yet nine years after Harvey, to my knowledge…

No drainage recommendations from any of these studies have ever been constructed.

The 661-page Birch and Walnut Creek study took so long that recommendations could not be implemented. By the time it was finished, the land had been sold to developers. A large solar farm was already built on one of the parcels needed when the SJRA Board reviewed the results and decided to take no action.

I hope the same does not happen with the Joint Ops study. Downstream residents desperately need something actionable this time from the SJRA.

One expert familiar with the issues involved told me, “Frankly, there’s no reason this study could not have moved forward long ago. It’s about procedures and operations. If the design of the gates changes, just update the procedure manual.”

Plea for Downstream Involvement

At every SJRA Board meeting, one or more residents from Lake Conroe speak during the public comments to oppose any pre-release. Downstream residents rarely if ever appear. So, the “no pre-release” mantra goes unchallenged. The SJRA Board needs to hear opposing points of view if downstream residents ever hope to see recommendations from the Joint Ops study implemented.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/5/2026

3263 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.

Engineering on Lake Houston Gates Project Now 90 Percent Complete

7/22/26 – (Updated at 3pm to correct funding figures.) Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger reported this morning that engineering for the Lake Houston Gates Project is now 90% complete.

Flickinger delivering news about the Lake Houston Gates Project

Speaking before the Kingwood Executive Group at the Kingwood Country Club today, he added that we now know the true cost of a workable plan and it’s higher than before. Thus, the next phase of the project will be the hunt for yet more funding.

The addition of more floodgates will let Lake Houston keep up with releases from Lake Conroe during major storm events. That will help enable pre-release and joint-reservoir-operation strategies when needed to reduce flooding.

Another benefit of the new gates: they will facilitate needed repair and rehab of the 73-year-old dam.

Scope Change Increases Cost, Leaves Funding Gap

Flickinger explained. “They now have everything nailed down on the cost. We’re looking at $273.7 million. Unfortunately, the elevated cost means that we’re not going to qualify for FEMA money. The benefit/cost analysis doesn’t meet the threshold.” Previous cost estimates put the total around $180 million, according to former Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin.

Cost increases plus FEMA money we no longer qualify for leave a funding gap of $183.7 million, according to Flickinger. “So, we’re going to have to go back to the State and the Feds for some more money to try and get that built,” he said.

Th table below shows the current cost breakdown.

Funding analysis as of 7/22/26

“Essentially the scope has changed. When they originally estimated it, they were going to use the concrete portion of the structure. But no construction companies would touch the job because of the risk. They were afraid of a catastrophic loss.”

Flickinger then added, “So, the engineers went back and said, ‘Okay, we’ll put the gates in the earthen portion.’ But they were trying to do it without building a coffer dam. Then they came back again and said, ‘No, that’s not going to work. You’re going to have to build a coffer dam.’ So, the increase in the cost has been driven by the general scope change.”

Flickinger described a scenario where well meaning people were trying to control costs to fit the budget. But ultimately, that didn’t work for safety reasons. And when you’re dealing with the water supply for approximately 2.4 million people, safety is paramount.

Flickinger added, “Now they’ve gone pretty much full blown. The cofferdam that they’re talking about building is going to be very substantial. In fact, you will even be able to drive vehicles on it.”

Where Will the Money Come From?

“We’re not going to get the extra funding as a flood-mitigation project,” said Flickinger, “because the math doesn’t work.” Then he shifted gears and talked about the water supply problems in Texas. “Texas has a huge problem right now with water. The state has appropriated…several billion towards water.”

State Representative Charles Cunningham, who also attended the meeting clarified, “Somewhere over $5 billion.”

Flickinger has already reached out to a number of elected officials and candidates on the ballot this fall. They include State Senator Brett Ligon, Cunningham, Alex Mealer, and Steve Toth. “

“I think we’re going to have a lot of help, both in Washington and in Austin, to get this money,” said Flickinger.

Martin, under whom the project started years ago, joked, “That’s DAM good news.”

Flickinger now hopes to start building the Lake Houston gates by late 2027 or early 2028. But engineers have not yet offered a completion date.

How Benefit/Cost Ratio Will Affect Previous FEMA Commitment

FEMA initially committed $50 million to the gates project. Flickinger says that despite the change in the benefit/cost ratio (BCR), clawbacks are not an issue on the money already spent on engineering. However, the BCR will “absolutely affect” unspent funds.

Complexity of Reducing Flooding

Before moving on to other subjects, Flickinger addressed the complexity of flooding. “Everyone looks at the dam as kind of a shiny object,” he said. “And the dam is hugely important, but there’s a ton of other stuff that goes into flooding and drainage. For instance, he referenced explosive upstream development in Montgomery County and the regulations intended to offset the growth of impervious cover, which were finally upgraded just last year.

He talked about the need to upgrade the Kingwood Diversion Ditch in order to take pressure off Bens Branch and Kingwood Town Center to handle all that upstream growth.

Flickinger also cited the importance of dredging to offset sedimentation and maintain capacity. Just recently, the City approved a Board of Directors for the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District established by Cunningham last year.

But that, too, will take money. The next legislative session will definitely be important for the Lake Houston Area.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/22/26

3249 Days since Hurricane Harvey

 

San Jacinto Received Only 1% of HCFCD Spending in 2026 Q1

4/14/26 – The San Jacinto Watershed received only 1% of all HCFCD spending in Q1, despite being the county’s largest watershed and having the worst flooding.

Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has published updated spending figures for 2018 Flood Bond Projects through the end of the first quarter of 2026. Analysis also revealed:

  • No Kingwood or Huffman Area projects have reached the construction stage yet
  • Spending on Lake Houston Area projects continues to lag other watersheds throughout the county.
  • HCFCD’s years-long spending slowdown may be stabilizing

Separately, Dr. Tina Petersen, PhD, HCFCD’s executive director, recently announced several positive developments for projects on Cypress Creek, the East Fork and Lake Houston Dam.

Let’s look at the funding analysis first. The screen captures below come from the HCFCD Activity Page and speak for themselves.

Overall Spending Slowdown Stabilizing

The chart below shows incremental spending for ALL watersheds since the start of the flood bond in 2018. But the far right shows only one quarter for this year so far. If the first quarter were annualized, it would approximately equal 2025 year-end spending.

Incremental spending after 2026 Q1 for all watersheds.

However, all phases of activity have declined dramatically since the management change at HCFCD in 2021.

Where the Money Went in Q1

The chart below shows the San Jacinto Watershed ranked 14th versus others. Of the $52 million total dollars spent, more than half of the watersheds received less than $1 million each. Only five watersheds received more than $2 million. The Cypress Creek Watershed received $22 million (36% of the total). That $22 million was three times more than the next largest watershed – White Oak at $6.76 million.

Q1 2026 spending for all watersheds totaled only $52 million.

Petersen attributes construction delays to “getting the funding in place.”

San Jacinto Spending Slowed, Too

Looking closer at the San Jacinto watershed, we can see it dropped sharply. But part of the apparent drop has to do with the fact that you are only looking at one quarter so far for the first quarter of 2026.

Incremental spending for the San Jacinto watershed since 2018

In Q1, HCFCD spent only $524,000 in the entire San Jacinto Watershed. Of that, $491,000 came from partners. Only $33,000 came from HCFCD’s bond or budget.

Breakdown of 2026 Q1 spending in San Jacinto Watershed. Dark blue represents partner spending.

But the most significant takeaway should be the volume of spending in the watershed compared to the total for all watersheds during the quarter…

$.052 million is exactly one one-hundredth of $52 million.

Q1 San Jacinto spending vs. total for all watersheds

And that’s for the county’s largest watershed – where the worst flooding occurred during Harvey. See below.

worst first
Chart showing feet above flood stage of 33 gages of misc. bayous in Harris County during Harvey.

Total and Construction Spending

Overall, HCFCD and its partners have spent almost $2.2 billion to date.

Total spending by watershed associated with the 2018 flood bond

But most of that has been on upfront studies, engineering and right-of-way acquisitions. Of the total $2.2 billion spent so far, only $1 billion has been on construction – 36%.

Construction spending through 2026 Q1 from 2018 flood bond.

Among watersheds, the San Jacinto ranks 13th on construction spending (not including County-Wide Spending) since 2018. White Oak ranks #1 with $148 million. To date, the San Jacinto watershed has received $21.5 million – one seventh of the construction dollars received by White Oak.

Status of Kingwood/Huffman Projects

Only three projects are active in the Lake Houston Area.

The Kingwood Diversion Ditch is still in engineering. It is fully funded and includes:

  • Additional channel capacity
  • A new diversion structure at the confluence with Bens Branch
  • Four bridge replacements
  • A new outfall to the San Jacinto West Fork south of Deer Ridge Park.

Petersen says construction could start as early as 2027.

She expects the Taylor Gully and the Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin Project to start construction in May 2026. It is also fully funded and includes:

  • New stormwater detention basin
  • Bridge replacement at Rustling Elms
  • Channel widening and deepening

The Luce Bayou Watershed will receive a new detention basin near FM2100 and the Huffman-Cleveland Road to support regional drainage improvements. Construction plans for the fully funded project are nearing completion, according to Petersen.

Status of Lake Houston Gates and East Fork Detention

Farther upstream on Cypress Creek, Petersen said she expects to finally start construction on the TC Jester East Basin soon. HCFCD also claims to have finished construction on the Mercer Basin on Cypress Creek near the Hardy Tollroad.

When I met with Petersen and State Representative Charles Cunningham last week, she also addressed:

  • A $20 million Inter-Local Agreement with the City of Houston for new Lake Houston Gates. It is on the 4/16/26 Commissioners Court Agenda. See Item 126.
  • San Jacinto East Fork stormwater detention basins. It’s unlikely any will be built. But “we’ve identified several locations along the East Fork, where if someone wants to sell their property, we will buy it … and we will get FEMA funding to do that.”.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/14/26

3150 Days since Hurricane Harvey

How A Terminal Reservoir with Limited Gate Capacity Increases Flood Risk

6/11/26 – Those seeking to understand flooding in the Lake Houston Area need to understand the placement and construction of the dam within the larger San Jacinto River Basin. Lake Houston is what hydrologists call a “terminal reservoir.”

Flood risk in the Lake Houston area is governed less by any single upstream factor and more by how all upstream factors converge at one critical place. And that critical place (the Lake Houston Dam) has extremely limited flood-gate capacity to lower the lake in advance of approaching storms.

gates for Lake Houston and Conroe
Lake Houston gates (l) can release 10,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Lake Conroe gates (r) can release 150,000 CFS.

How All Risk Factors Converge in Terminal Reservoirs

As a terminal reservoir, Lake Houston backstops everything that happens anywhere upstream. A terminal reservoir is a reservoir located at (or very near) the downstream end of a watershed, such as the San Jacinto River Basin. It receives the cumulative inflows from all upstream tributaries before water exits to a larger receiving body, like a bay or Gulf of Mexico.

Lake Houston is the tip of a funnel draining more than 2,500 square miles from seven counties. That’s an area 50% larger than all of Harris County itself. See below.

Upstream watershed percent of Lake Houston Area
Percentages represent sub-watershed’s portion of acreage within Lake Houston’s drainage area which includes parts of seven counties. Lake Conroe controls only 13% of the drainage area.

Because of Lake Houston’s location, peak flows from multiple tributaries (East Fork, West Fork, Caney Creek, Peach Creek, Luce Bayou, Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, Lake Creek, etc.) can stack on top of each other.

During a storm, if peak flows from those tributaries arrive at different times, they may be manageable.

But if peaks arrive simultaneously, as they likely would in a large storm like Harvey, they create an exponential spike in water levels. And that can create catastrophic flooding in a terminal reservoir with limited gate capacity.

Six years ago, the SJRA’s River Basin Master Drainage Plan recommended 10 areas for additional upstream regional detention. But not one has even been bid.

Sediment Trap for the River Basin

Terminal reservoirs catch more than water. They also trap sediment from all uncontrolled upstream tributaries. Those include the mining corridors along the West Fork, East Fork and Caney Creek.

This leads to the progressive loss of storage volume behind the Lake Houston dam. That reduces flood-buffering capacity over time. It also increases reliance on dredging.

This is a much bigger issue in the Lake Houston Area than in Lake Conroe. Lake Houston traps sediment from an area seven times larger than Lake Conroe does.

Sediment from 87% of the river basin ultimately ends up in Lake Houston.

Computed from acreage figures supplied by San Jacinto River Authority

Plus, the largest sources of sediment are between the two lakes. Virtually all sand mines in the river basin are downstream from Lake Conroe and upstream from Lake Houston.

Low Gradient and Urbanization Increase Flood Risk

The low gradient in our flat coastal plain, also means that this terminal reservoir can back water up into tributaries, such as Bens Branch, where 12 people died at an assisted living facility for seniors during Harvey.

Urbanization compounds all these risks. Incremental upstream development in Montgomery, Waller and Liberty counties creates a cumulative increase in runoff volume and speed which amplifies peaks at the terminal location.

In other posts, I showed how even if each upstream development project meets the “no-net-runoff-increase” mandate locally, a system-level effect still concentrates peak flows at the terminal reservoir.

Peak flows in Lake Houston watershed during Hurricane Harvey. 400,000 CFS went over Lake Houston Dam.

The 400,000 CFS going over the Lake Houston Dam during Harvey created a wall of water 11 feet high. The volume was five times more than the volume of water going over Niagra Falls on an average day.

Implications

In summary, Lake Houston is the control point for a 2,500 square mile watershed. Lake Conroe controls only 13% of upstream drainage. Lake Houston controls 100%. The entire drainage area flows through this one control point with little help.

This heightens sensitivity to timing (when flood peaks arrive) and coordination (with Lake Conroe). Other than Lake Conroe, there is NO redundancy built into the system.

Sediment accumulation is not only inevitable, it is accelerated – by sand mining and rapid upstream development. This limits the buffering capacity of the lake for flood-control purposes. Sediment management is not optional. Safety requires it. Luckily, State Representative Charles Cunningham was able to start a Lake Houston Area Dredging and Maintenance District in the 2025 legislature.

The design of the Lake Houston dam also limits flexibility for flood management. Lake Houston has a 3,100-foot wide spillway but extremely limited gate capacity – 1/15th the capacity of Lake Conroe’s gates.

That limits pre-release capacity. It takes days in advance of a storm to lower Lake Houston enough to absorb anticipated incoming stormwater. But storms can veer away during that time. Yet millions of people depend on water from Lake Houston.

So dam managers must be extremely cautious about pre-releasing water. Before they open the gates, they must be sure the storm will replenish any water discharged.

Conclusion

Thus, gate capacity has outsized importance for flood safety. That’s why Houston Public Works and the Coastal Water Authority have studied the best way to add more gates to the dam ever since Harvey. But they haven’t yet finalized a design.

Meanwhile, people live with the flood risk of a terminal reservoir with limited gate capacity and little upstream help from other reservoirs.

For information about other factors that create flood risk, see the Lessons Page of this website.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/11/26

3147 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.

Reservoir Coordination Still Elusive After 53 Years

4/6/26 – One of the biggest “lessons learned” from Harvey is that coordinated Joint Reservoir Operations are crucial. The San Jacinto River Basin has two reservoirs controlled by dams. But coordinating their operation to reduce flooding remains elusive after 53 years.

The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) finished the Lake Conroe dam in 1973, but is still seeking public input on its Joint Reservoir Operations Study. They hope to have a first draft of the study by the end of 2026.

Benefits of Reservoir Coordination

Other authorities around the world have long recognized the benefits of coordinating the operations of multiple dams on their rivers. Benefits include:

  • Enhanced flood control and mitigation – By acting in tandem, dams can reduce flood peaks more efficiently than isolated dams.
  • Improved water security and drought resilience – Coordinated dam systems can manage water storage across a basin to alleviate water stress during dry seasons.
  • Reduced sediment transport –  Tandem operation can reduce peak flows that cause heavy erosion, clogging rivers and downstream lakes.
  • Increased hydropower generation – Although not a factor in the San Jacinto Basin, coordinated operations allow water to be used multiple times as it passes through a series of dams, exponentially increasing total energy output from the same water resource.
  • Environmental sustainability – Strategic releases of water can sustain downstream ecosystems, habitats, and species, as seen in the U.S. Sustainable Rivers Program.
  • Improved navigation and trade – A system of coordinated locks and dams can regulate river flow consistently, facilitating the transport of goods via barges and promoting regional economic development.
  • Water security – Upstream dams can supplement the water supply in downstream dams that may support major metropolitan areas. Lake Conroe, for instance, provides backup to the smaller Lake Houston, which is the primary water supply for more than 2 million people.

River Authorities that Manage Multiple Dams for Flood Control

Examples of coordinated management abound. Take for instance:

  • In Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) provides a textbook example of coordinated dam management for flood control through the Highland Lakes system. The LCRA manages a “staircase” of six dams northwest of Austin. All six assist with flood mitigation. They operate as an integrated unit to protect downstream communities.
  • Tennessee Valley Authority manages a network of 9 main-river dams and 22 tributary dams. The system is designed to catch heavy runoff in tributary reservoirs before it reaches the main river, significantly reducing flood risks for downstream cities like Chattanooga. The TVA operates these dams as a single unit. That way, they also ensure a consistent water depth of at least 11 feet along the entire 652-mile main channel. That lets 28,000 barges transport goods annually.
  • The Columbia River System (CRS) consists of 14 federal dam projects managed as a coordinated system for power, flood control, and fish protection.
  • California Department of Water Resources found that “weather-informed reservoir operations” at Lake Oroville and New Bullards Bar Reservoir can further reduce flood risk for communities along the Yuba and Feather rivers during extreme atmospheric river storm events and potentially benefit water supply during drier periods.
  • In the Delaware River Basin, a “flexible flow management program” mitigates flooding impacts immediately downstream of reservoirs.

Two Key Houston-Area Reservoirs Have Different Missions, Management

So, why can’t the SJRA manage two dams?

For one thing, SJRA only controls Lake Conroe. The Coastal Water Authority controls Lake Houston.

For another, the two dams have slightly different goals and radically different construction.

  • Lake Conroe was conceived as a water supply and flood control reservoir (even though SJRA now claims Lake Conroe is strictly for water supply). Lake Conroe’s tainter gates can release 150,000 CFS.
  • Lake Houston, on the other hand, is primarily for water supply. It has limited flood control capability because of its fixed height spillway. Lake Houston has only four small gates with a combined release capacity of 10,000 cubic feet per second (CFS).

Engineers are currently studying ways to add more and bigger tainter gates to Lake Houston. The current plan under study would boost the release rate to 78,000 CFS, thus matching the highest release rate ever from Lake Conroe (during Harvey). That would enable better coordination between the dams.

Why It Matters

Timing of releases can materially affect downstream flooding in a densely developed floodplain. During Harvey, a wall of water 11 feet high was going over the Lake Houston spillway. 16,000 homes and 3300 businesses behind the dam flooded. It backed water up for miles. Lake Houston’s Dam had 5X more water going over it than Niagra Falls usually does – enough to fill NRG Stadium in 3.5 minutes – 425,000 CFS.

Lake Houston Dam During Harvey. Can you even see the gates at the right end of the spillway?

Twenty percent of all homes and forty percent of all businesses in the area were affected.

Lake Houston Area Flood Task Force

Getting the water out faster is crucial. But it must be done safely. In a way that doesn’t hurt downstream interests.

While Coastal Water Authority figures out how to add more gates, SJRA is building a forecasting tool for the entire watershed that has the potential to:

  • Improve coordination between the dams
  • Inform decisions about pre-releases and gate operations
  • Enhance emergency management

For More Information

See SJRA’s presentation at the Humble Civic Center on 3/5/26 for more on Joint Reservoir Operations.

See ReduceFlooding’s new Lessons page for more “lessons learned” about flooding. It’s my attempt to distill my most important findings from more than 3000 posts since Harvey.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/6/26

3142 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.

SJRA Update on Status of Four Flood-Mitigation Projects

1/11/2026 – At the end of 2025, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) issued an update on the status of four flood-mitigation projects. During Hurricane Harvey and again in May 2024, SJRA came under withering criticism for releases from Lake Conroe exceeding 70,000 cubic feet per second that flooded downstream residents.

The four projects represent different ways to offset similar releases in the future and their adverse effects. They include:

Joint-Reservoir-Operations Study

The City of Houston is currently performing a project to add new spillway gates to increase the controlled release capacity of the Lake Houston dam. The goal of this Joint Reservoir Operations Study is to determine the most efficient and safe operation of Lake Conroe in series with Lake Houston once the new gates are installed.

The study will evaluate the feasibility of prereleases including impacts on water supply. The study will also develop a forecasting tool for Lake Houston and support development of the gate operations policy for the proposed Lake Houston dam gates.

Black & Veatch is handling the million-dollar study for SJRA, City of Houston, City of Humble and the Texas Water Development Board. The engineering company received a notice to proceed in August 2025 and expects to complete the project by December 2027.

Black & Veatch is also handling the engineering for the City of Houston on the project to add more flood gates to the Lake Houston Dam. The company has completed preliminary engineering. Mayor Whitmire expects them to finish detailed engineering by the end of this year.

For more on the Joint Reservoir Operations Study, see:

Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) Abridged Application
FIF Final Application
Joint Ops Project Benefit Area Map

Spring Creek Flood Control Dams Feasibility Study

This project explored multiple alternative sites for dams along Spring Creek with the potential to reduce flooding. The two most cost effective alternatives were on Birch and Walnut Creeks. SJRA released its draft report to the Texas Water Development Board in June 2025. Its final report is due next month.

For more on the Spring Creek Dams Site Study, see:

FIF Abridged Application
FIF Final Application
Spring Creek Project Benefit Area Map
www.SpringCreekStudy.com

Upper San Jacinto River Basin Regional Sedimentation Study

According to the Army Corps, conveyance of the San Jacinto West Fork between Humble and Kingwood was reduced 90% due to sedimentation. That exacerbated flooding. Since then, SJRA has evaluated sedimentation throughout the river basin to learn:

  • Where the most sediment comes from
  • How to prioritize watersheds for improvements
  • Conceptual solutions

The goal: reduce loss of floodway conveyance in the basin.

SJRA started the project in May 2022. It hopes to deliver a draft report to the TWDB by October 2026 and the final report by June 2027.

For more information, see:

sanjacintosedimentationstudy.com
FIF Abridged Application
FIF Final Application
Sedimentation Study Project Benefit Area Map

Sand-Trap Project

The sand trap project is one potential way to remove material from the river in order to improve conveyance and reduce the risk of flooding.

SJRA is working with HCFCD and City of Houston to plan, design, and construct one or more “sand traps” along the West Fork.

 A major component of the project is coordinating with Aggregate Production Operations (APOs) along the river. A public/private partnership would provide for operation and maintenance of the proposed sand trap(s). A conceptual design effort to select the most feasible site(s) for installation of sand trap(s) has been completed, and preliminary design is scheduled for completion in early 2026.

For more information, see:

Sand Trap Conceptual Design Report Comments Received
Sand Trap Summary Document for Stakeholders (11-08-22)
SJR and Tributaries Sediment Removal and Sand Trap Development Conceptual Design Report
Sediment Trap Pilot Project Preliminary Design Scope

The Studies are Only Step One

It’s important to recognize that more than eight years after Harvey, not one of these studies is complete yet. And the studies are just the first step in a multi-step process that includes final engineering, funding, land acquisition, and construction for most of these.

At this rate, it could take decades before we see actual flood-mitigation benefits. We really need to find ways to speed up this process.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/11/26

3057 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Flickinger Provides Updates on Lake Houston Gates, Dredging District

6/18/25 – While speaking to the Kingwood Executive Group this morning, Houston District E City Council Member Fred Flickinger reassured members that the project to add more flood gates to the Lake Houston Dam was on track. He said that the engineering and environmental survey work should be completed by the end of this year as previously promised.

Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger addressing members of Kingwood Executive Group today.

However, he also cautioned that a potential cost increase might skew the critical Benefit/Cost Ratio (BCR) used to evaluate grant applications.

In an update on a related drainage issue, Flickinger explained how important the passage of Rep. Charles Cunningham’s Lake Houston Dredging District bill was for the Lake Houston area. Specifically, he talked about how dredging done to date reduced predicted peaks in the May 2024 flood by more than 2 feet and kept water from entering homes throughout Kingwood and the Lake Houston Area.

Latest on Gates Project

After Hurricane Harvey, many people focused on the addition of more flood gates to the Lake Houston Dam could reduce lake levels and flooding by letting water out faster before and during major storms.

Lake Conroe’s dam can release water 15 times faster than the gates on Lake Houston’s dam.

The gates on Lake Houston’s dam release water so slowly that the City must begin releasing water days before a storm to create significant extra storage capacity in the lake.

With a lead time measured in days, forecasts can change before storms arrive. But with a higher release capacity, dam operators could wait until they were certain a storm would hit before opening the gates.

Flickinger stated that the engineering for the additional gates should be at least 90 percent complete by the end of 2025.

“At that point in time,” said Flickinger, “they’ll be able to get accurate BCRs. And they’re already working on the environmental study. Black & Veatch is handling that.”

Community meetings within the next 4 to 5 months will give the public a chance for input.

Construction Still Predicted to Start in 2028, Completion in 2029

“I think they’ll be able to start construction in 2028 and complete the project in 2029,” said Flickinger. “Nothing’s really changed with the dates in the last six months.”

Early indications are that the project could need another $35 million. Flickinger said, “That could delay the project a little bit if they don’t get the BCR they need. But we got it one time; I think we’ll get it a second.”

Flickinger was referring to when Dave Martin, his predecessor convinced FEMA to include social benefits in the calculation of the BCR. Typically, benefits must exceed costs before FEMA or any other group will award a grant.

Since Flickinger took office, the plan for the gates has significantly changed. The original plan was to construct crest gates on the concrete portion of the spillway. However, because of the risk involved, the City could not find a contractor willing to bid on that job.

The new plan is to add tainter gates to the earthen portion of the dam. The project basically turned into a “start over.”

Kudos to Crenshaw and Cunningham

In his talk today, Flickinger also addressed dredging – past, present and future.

He thanked US Rep. Dan Crenshaw and State Rep. Charles Cunningham. “We’re dredging out on the lake today,” said Flickinger. “That’s part of the money that Congressman Crenshaw got for us. We’re moving 800,000 cubic yards of sediment. And that makes a huge difference,” said Flickinger, before lauding HB1532, Rep. Charles Cunningham’s bill that will create a permanent dredging district on Lake Houston.

The Computer Model that Missed and the Legislation that Didn’t

To underscore the importance of dredging, Flickinger explained how computer models missed predictions for the timing and crest of the May 2024 floods in the Lake Houston Area … at a time when water was already lapping at the foundations of thousands of homes.

“The expectation was that the water would crest two feet higher than it did. But they missed it because their model did not include all the dredging that had been done over the last several years. They missed by about two feet and a day. The river was supposed to crest two feet higher and one day later,” said Flickinger.

“But all the dredging allowed the water to flow into the lake and over the dam faster than what they thought it would. So the dredging is a huge deal.”

HB1532, the bill to create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, finally passed in this year’s session of the state legislature – after three previous tries.

“Sediment comes into the river and the lake 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Flickinger. “And unless we do something about that, it’s going to be a huge problem.”

Even though Cunningham got the dredging district over the goal line this year, Flickinger was quick to acknowledge assists from Senators Paul Bettencourt, Brandon Creighton and Mayes Middleton who helped push it through the Senate.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/18/2025

2850 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Flickinger Provides Updates On Gates, Dredging, Northpark, More

City of Houston District E Council Member Fred Flickinger addressed a group of local executives at the Kingwood Country Club this morning. He covered a wide range of topics, both in his talk and during Q&A. They included the status of five flood-related topics for the Lake Houston Area:

  • New Gates for the Lake Houston Dam
  • Seasonal Lake Lowering
  • Additional dredging in Lake Houston
  • Kingwood Diversion Ditch expansion
  • Last weekend’s flooding on Northpark Drive
Flickinger addressing the Kingwood Executive Group at the Kingwood Country Club on 4/24/24

Floodgate Construction Could Start in ’25 or ’26

Within two sentences of standing up, Flickinger got straight to the subject of flooding and new, bigger floodgates for the Lake Houston Dam. He said, “Obviously, the big thing is getting additional gates. That is currently pending a FEMA review and approval.”

He continued, “We have about $150 million secured for those. Much of that has come via Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s office. Also the State, thanks to Representatives Dan Huberty and Charles Cunningham, and Dave Martin, my predecessor. Stephen Costello [the City’s Flood Czar] has also all done great work. They’ve all really done yeomen’s jobs getting money for the dam gates.”

Looking S. New gates will be built in the earthen portion of the dam to the left of the four small gates you see now.

“We’re looking at construction probably in late 2025 or sometime in 2026,” said Flickinger. “That’s obviously the biggest key to reducing flooding.”

Flickinger also said that he believes the current Mayor remains committed to the project.

Seasonal Lake Lowering

Regarding lowering Lakes Houston and Conroe, Flickinger said the City and SJRA have moved to an event-driven strategy rather than a seasonal one. Automatically lowering the level of Lake Conroe twice a year to reduce flood risk in the Lake Houston Area generated pushback from Lake Conroe residents.

For some time now, the politically divisive strategy has been replaced by an “as-needed” lake-lowering policy in one or both lakes depending on where and when rain falls.

However, the “as needed” policy requires precise forecasting. And several times lately, rain has shifted at the last minute. Ironically, that supports the need for bigger gates that release water faster. They can create extra storage in Lake Houston while still reducing the lead time needed, so forecasters can be absolutely certain of the need to lower the lake.

After all, that’s the drinking water supply for more than 2 million people. You don’t want to lower it needlessly if it won’t be refilled right away.

More Dredging on Tap

Flickinger next addressed the need for more dredging. He said that the City is currently removing another 800,000 yd³ of sediment between Kings Point and FM1960.

“Again, funding for that largely came from Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s office,” he said. “Some people in the government questioned whether that was Harvey-related sediment. But we got the funding! And dredging has started. So that’s a really good thing.”

Diversion Ditch/Walnut Lane Bridge

“The next issue with flooding,” said Flickinger, “is really the Kingwood Diversion Ditch.” The ditch cuts south from St. Martha’s Catholic Church to River Grove Park through the western portion of Kingwood.

“The Walnut Lane Bridge has about a fourth of the surface area below it that the Kingwood Drive and North Park Bridges have. Because of that, it works somewhat like a dam. Crenshaw just secured $4 million to address that, but we have got to have a cost/benefit ratio of one or greater, which will be a challenge. So, we’re working on that.”

Looking north along Diversion Ditch. Notice how it narrows under the Walnut Lane Bridge.

“And that money probably won’t become available for another six months. Hopefully, we can get that cost/benefit analysis to where we need it by then and use that money to rebuild the Walnut Lane Bridge. It’s a huge deal that affects Trailwood, Forest Cove, and even people who live along Bens Branch.”

“Part of the water from Ben’s branch is actually supposed to go to the lake via the Diversion Ditch,” said Flickinger. (That’s how the ditch got its name.) However, Flickinger noted that when the Diversion Ditch backs up, water goes down Bens Branch instead.

“And we’re getting more and more of that because of the development in Montgomery County…That’s part of why Kingwood High School flooded.”

Northpark Flooding

Last weekend, Northpark Drive flooded near the construction zone.

At the time, I conjectured that one or more of the drains may have been blocked. Flickinger revealed the cause this morning.

He said the drain was never tied into the new drainage system.

“It turns out that they had a change in foremen on the job, and one of the drains was not connected to the storm sewer.”

Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger

“That is what caused that big fiasco. Now our office is going to contact the construction team every time we have a significant rain event and ask them to double check, so we don’t have any issues obstructing stormwater,” said Flickinger.

“Anytime you’ve got construction, there’s a certain amount of mess associated with it. But obviously, we don’t need somebody causing flooding by forgetting or blocking something.”

Looking E along Northpark on Sunday morning, 4/21/24 at area where drain was not tied in.

Before Flickinger had to leave for a meeting downtown, it became clear to everyone in the room that flooding was one of his primary concerns.

For someone who’s been in the job less than four months, he was very aware of the complex intricacies and interdependencies of the Lake Houston Area’s drainage problems. And that was very encouraging news!

Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/24/24

2430 Days since Hurricane Harvey

TWDB to Consider $50 Million Grant for Lake Houston Gates

Save the date. On December 7, 2023, the Texas Water Development Board will consider a $50 million grant to the City of Houston for structural improvements to the Lake Houston Dam. The improvements will extend the life of the dam and enable rapid lowering of lake levels in advance of a flood.

The project, led by outgoing Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello, will benefit thousands of residential properties in the surrounding area.

Make sure the next mayor supports it. Get out and vote. Better yet, take your neighbors with you!

Background

The $50 million grant will complement funds from other sources including FEMA. The addition of new tainter gates will enable Lake Houston to shed water faster before and during storms, reducing the risk of flooding.

Until now, pre-releasing water has been risky. The old gates on the Lake Houston dam can release only 10,000 cubic feet per second. As a result, to significantly lower the lake, releases must start far in advance of a storm. But storms can veer away during that extended time. That increases the chances that the City could waste water.

After several years of study, the City has found that the optimal option would be to add tainter gates to the eastern, earthen portion of the dam. But the cost increased significantly compared to the crest gates initially favored.

Proposed location for new tainter gates
Proposed location for new tainter gates.

Earlier this year, the Legislature set aside more funds for the new tainter gates and specifically directed the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to provide those funds. The TWDB’s executive administrator has recommended authorizing the funds. The Board just needs to approve them.

TWDB Board Meeting In Houston

The TWDB board will consider the approval at a rare Houston meeting at the Harris County Flood Control District in early December.

Date/Time:
Thursday, December 07, 2023; 9:30 AM
Location:
In person at 7522 Prairie Oak Drive
Michael Talbott Pavilion, Harris County Flood Control District Service Center
Houston, TX 77086

To view the webinar online, you must register for details.

Visitors who wish to address the Board should complete a visitor registration card and attend the meeting in person. The Texas Open Meetings Act prohibits visitor participation by telephone only. The visitor registration card is available and should be completed and submitted by e-mail to Customer Service no later than 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 2023, or in person at the registration desk.

Here is the full agenda. The $50 million grant for more gates is #14. Here is the backup information.

New, higher capacity gates were one of the three primary recommendations made by the Lake Houston Area Task Force after Harvey to mitigate flooding in the area. If all goes according to plan, construction could start in mid-2026, according to Costello.

Will Next Houston Mayor Support the Project?

Large infrastructure projects like this depend on unwavering political support. Completion of this project could take until the NEXT mayoral election. In the meantime, make sure we elect a mayor who will support the Gates Project until then. Keep it moving forward.

In that regard, John Whitmire has already demonstrated his support. If you haven’t yet voted, make sure you do. Take your neighbors, too. And then walk around your block and knock on some doors. Keeping this project will depend on turnout in the current runoff election.

So far, Acres Homes has had eight times more early voters than Huffman. And fewer than 4,000 people have voted in Kingwood.

As of 12/1/2023 according to Harris Votes.

The last day for early voting is December 5th. Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm except for Sunday when they open at noon. Your last chance to vote is on Election Day, December 9th. For complete election information, visit Harris Votes.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/1/2023

2285 Days since Hurricane Harvey

SJRA Appoints Aubrey Spear New General Manager

November 15, 2023 – The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) Board of Directors announced today the selection of Aubrey A. Spear, PE, as general manager.

Aubrey Spear

Duties

As general manager, Spear will oversee the development and implementation of SJRA’s vision, mission and strategic goals through the collaboration with the SJRA’s Operating Divisions: General and Administrative Services, Lake Conroe, Woodlands, Groundwater Reduction Plan, Highlands, and Flood Management. In addition to providing managerial oversight, Spear will be instrumental in overseeing the development and execution of capital improvement plans, planning, external affairs, leadership development, and budget.

SJRA Board President Ronnie Anderson expressed confidence in Aubrey Spear’s arrival saying, “After a thorough search, the SJRA Board of Directors is proud to welcome Aubrey to SJRA. Aubrey’s extensive experience in water utility management, water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and stakeholder relationships make him a great fit for our team.”

Goals

“I am excited to join the dedicated team at SJRA,” said Spear. “I look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders including employees, customers, and elected officials to determine major areas of focus for the Authority moving forward. I am passionate about implementing the river authority’s vision to provide reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable water resource management that supports the significant growth in the region while earning the trust and confidence of our customers and community.” 

Background

Aubrey Spear brings extensive professional leadership and managerial experience to SJRA. He served the City of Lubbock in a senior management role as Director of Water Utilities for 16 years leading the city’s Water Utilities Department of more than 200 employees. Additionally, he served as liaison to multiple water boards including the Lubbock Water Advisory Commission, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District and served as the chairperson of the Region O Water Planning Group and on the executive committee of the Upper Brazos Regional Flood Planning Group. 

Spear has also guided public relations, marketing, and customer service activities and facilitated major projects including the city of Lubbock’s first new surface water supply reservoir in more than 25 years, Lake Alan Henry. 

Spear will start with SJRA in January 2024.

Challenges

Aubrey Spear’s appointment comes almost six months after Jace Houston resigned from SJRA at the end of May 2023.

After 16 years with the SJRA, Houston had become the focus of criticism over a groundwater reduction plan designed to reduce subsidence and ensure the water future of Montgomery County. Houston had led the conversion from dwindling groundwater to surface water. That included construction of a water treatment plant at Lake Conroe and several water distribution pipelines.

However, several signatories to the Groundwater Reduction Plan eventually balked at higher prices despite the reduction in subsidence. Conroe state representative Will Metcalf proposed an amendment to the SJRA’s sunset review bill that would have ousted Houston had the state senate supported it.

As Spear prepares to navigate new waters in SE Texas, he will be forced to thread a needle between downstream and upstream interests.

Memories of the SJRA’s role in downstream flooding during Harvey when it released 79,000 cubic feet per second from Lake Conroe will constrain him. So will the reluctance of Lake Conroe residents to live with seasonally lower lake levels. Lake lowering didn’t generate much controversy this year. Because of drought, lake lowering wasn’t necessary.

However, it could in the future if the project to add more flood gates to Lake Houston ever gets off the drawing boards.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/15/23 based in part on a press release from SJRA

2269 days since Hurricane Harvey