The Brazos River rises and falls due to the amount of rainfall upstream of the District within the Brazos River watershed. When significant rainfall occurs upstream, the National Weather Service will issue forecasts for the Brazos River to alert residents of anticipated conditions so that informed decisions can be made related to potential impacts from rising water. The nearest river gauge and forecast site is the Brazos River at Richmond, at the US 90A bridge, approximately 8.8 miles upriver from the I-69/US 59 crossing. The forecast estimates the level of the river at the gauge, the level provided is in gauge feet (not feet above sea level). To convert gauge feet to sea level add 27.02’. Because LID 17 is downstream from the gauge, the water level in the Brazos River will be lower than at the gauge, generally about 6-7’. The Districts’ consultants monitor the river levels and forecasts. When necessary, the District responds, per the Emergency Action Plan, with required activities to protect the District and properties therein from potential harm. For reference;
- A gauge elevation at the Richmond gauge of 37 would correlate to gravity outfall being restricted at Pump Station 2 (south of UH) such that pumping operations might be required if there is rainfall within the District.
- A gauge elevation at the Richmond gauge of 43 would correlate to gravity outfall being restricted at Pump Station 1 (north of I-69/US59) and pumping operations might be required if there is rainfall within the District.
- On September 1, 2017, following Hurricane Harvey the Brazos River crested at a high of 55.19’
For additional information regarding current Brazos River levels, you may visit the following websites;