Brazos River

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Rising – May 5, 9:00 AM

As of 8:15 AM on May 5, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 38.28 feet and rising. According to the 8:07 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River reaching Gage Elevation 44.1 feet toward the end of next week. As shown on the forecast, the WGRFC graphic does not necessarily represent the peak elevation at the Richmond Gage. Based on the upstream conditions, the forecast for the Brazos River through Richmond could change. We will continue to monitor the forecasts especially with our remaining rain chances. Based on the current NWS forecast, portions of Lower Brazos River Watershed and the Region are under a flood watch through tonight. These areas could see between 1 to 3 inches with isolated areas of 4 to 8 inches. After Sunday, our rain chances drop for the upcoming week. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 0.25 to 1 inch over the next 7 days.

 

Based on the current forecast, no 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.

Levee Raising Project Summary

FBCLID 11 is excited to announce that the District recently completed construction on a project that has raised the height of the levee. The levee, which was raised by approximately 2 feet, is now 6 feet above the current 100-year flood elevation of the Brazos River. This exceeds all federal and local regulations and makes it one of the safest levees in Fort Bend County. As part of the project, the District made one of the detention ponds deeper, which increases the volume for storing rain water inside the levee.

The District is continuing to improve the levee and drainage system in several ways. Current projects include completing a third pump station to serve the District as well as significantly increasing the pumping capacity of the two existing pump stations.

Debris On District’s Levee

Recently, the District has seen a significant amount of debris being placed by residents in the District’s levee and drainage right of ways. Typically, this debris is in the form of landscape trash, including bags of grass clippings, hedge and tree trimmings and piles of dirt and/or soil. The Board of Directors wants to remind all residents that this a hazard to the operation and maintenance of the District’s levees and drainage systems. Debris can block drainage ways and cause flooding or become obstacles to the operator or engineer as they attempt to maintain our system or address a concern. It is imperative that these areas remain clear at all times.

Please protect yourself and your neighbors by properly disposing of your trash and not placing debris on the levee and drainage ways.