Woodlands Flood Mitigation: SJRA Release & Local Plans

**The Woodlands Adopts New Lake Conroe Release Protocol, Continues Local Flood Fight**

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands residents and local officials converged on May 23, 2024, at The Woodlands Township Board meeting to dissect ongoing flood mitigation strategies, a critical discussion as a new Lake Conroe water release protocol from the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) is poised to commence on June 1, 2024. The gathering highlighted both regional advancements and persistent localized challenges following a spring marked by significant rainfall.

Approved by the SJRA board last fall, the updated procedure represents a proactive shift in managing Lake Conroe’s water levels, particularly ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall. Historically, reservoir operations have balanced water conservation with flood control, but lessons from past events, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, underscored the need for more anticipatory measures. Under the new protocol, if meteorologists forecast a 70% chance of three or more inches of rain within a 24-hour period, or a 60% chance of four inches or more, the SJRA will initiate a pre-release of 2,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) from the reservoir. This strategic release aims to create storage capacity in Lake Conroe, thereby lessening flooding *downstream* of the dam.

However, SJRA officials have cautioned that while beneficial for the larger watershed, this pre-release mechanism will not prevent flooding from local tributaries like Bear Branch and Panther Branch, which originate within The Woodlands and have their own distinct drainage patterns. For more information on SJRA operations, visit sjra.net.

Addressing these critical local drainage issues, Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack, representing Precinct 3, provided an update on the county’s continued efforts. He underscored the county’s commitment to tackling drainage challenges throughout The Woodlands, noting a recently completed study of Spring Creek’s water flow. Plans are also underway to develop detailed modeling for Bear Branch and Panther Branch, areas that have experienced consistent flooding, particularly during the heavy rainfall witnessed this spring of 2024.

The Montgomery County Flood Control District (MCFCD), working in conjunction with Commissioner Noack’s office, is actively maintaining ditches, clearing obstructions, and has acquired property to expand retention ponds. An initial round of funding for these crucial flood projects was allocated earlier in 2024, with more expected from Commissioner Noack’s office to continue these improvements. Significant dredging and sediment removal along Spring Creek near the Kuykendahl Road Bridge are among the key projects planned to enhance water flow. For details on Montgomery County’s flood control efforts, visit mctx.org/floodcontrol or mctxpct3.org.

The Woodlands Township Board members acknowledged the SJRA’s new protocol as a positive step but tempered expectations. Director Brad Bailey emphasized that while a significant advancement, it’s “not a silver bullet” for all flood concerns. Director Richard Franks echoed this sentiment, highlighting that localized flooding from branches like Bear Branch remains a persistent issue that the reservoir release, by design, won’t directly address.

The Township continues to encourage residents to report flood concerns, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive, regional approach involving multiple agencies. This includes not only the Montgomery County Flood Control District but also the Harris County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reflecting the interconnected nature of the region’s waterways. Residents at the May 23rd meeting voiced ongoing frustrations, particularly with localized flooding along specific branches and the perceived pace of county ditch maintenance. While progress is being made on several fronts, the journey to full flood protection in The Woodlands area is far from over, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance and collaboration among all stakeholders. More information on Township flood initiatives can be found at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.