Brazos River

May 23, 4:00 PM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River Dropped Down into Action Stage

As of 3:15 PM on May 23, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.67 feet. This is approximately 1 foot below the crest. Based on the forecasts, the Brazos River through Richmond should continue to fall. The WGRFC forecast shows another slight rise at the Hempstead Gage; however, the rise will be lower than we have experienced over the past couple of week. This rise, which is due to upstream flows continuing to move downstream, will cause the Brazos River in Richmond to potentially stay above Gage Elevation 37 through the middle of next week and remain in Action Stage into June. Below is a summary of the gages downstream of Hempstead.

The NWS forecast continues to show low rain chances over the next 7 days. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than ½ inch of rain over the next 7 days. The highest chance for rain is upstream of Hempstead. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

May 15, 5:15 PM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast to Reach Minor Stage

As of 5:00 PM on May 16, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 41.54 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows the Brazos River through Richmond to slowly begin to rise. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River rising to Gage 46.40 feet around May 21. For reference, 46.40 is approximately 0.70’ higher than our previous 7 day peak. Similarly, gages upstream of Richmond are forecasted to rise.

Most of the lower Brazos River watershed, upstream of Fort Bend County, is in a Flood Watch through 7 AM Friday Morning. The Region, including the lower Brazos River watershed, has a slight to moderate risk of excessive rainfall through Friday morning. Areas north of I-10 could see widespread amounts between 3 to 6 inches with isolated areas of with higher amounts. Areas south of I-10 could see between 1 to 2 inches. Good news is that while the Brazos River could potentially rise to Minor Flood Stage, the forecast beyond Friday is showing Sunny to Partly Cloudy Skies with low rain chances. Based  on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated, but we are continuing to monitor the rainfall and its impacts on the Brazos River forecasts.

Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.

May 13, 9:00AM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Falling

As of 8:15 AM on May 13, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond has dropped back into Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.9 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows a slower fall through Richmond than previous forecasts. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River staying above Gage 39 feet through the end of the week. Below is a summary of the gages from Hempstead downstream.

The NWS continues to show severe weather for all of the Lower Brazos River Watershed and Region. There is an enhanced risk of severe weather with a marginal to slight risk of excessive rainfall through Tuesday morning. The forecast includes rainfall amounts between 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts. After today, the region should see a break from the rain Tuesday and Wednesday; however, rain chances return Thursday into Friday. Confidence is low on the location and rainfall amounts so the forecast could change. This morning’s Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 3 inches of rain over the next 7 days. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.